Accra, Ghana – Ghana’s national amputee football team, the Black Challenge, is calling on the government to make good on commitments made after the team’s historic victory last year ahead of their preparation for the 2024 African Amputee Football Cup of Nations (AAFCON).
The two times champion have their participation for the AACON in limbo as the Government has turned death ear to their pleas to their preparation to bring honour to the nation.
The team say the government has failed to deliver on a pledge of $2,000 per player following the team’s gold medal win at the 2023 Africa Para Games.
Speaking at a press conference at the head office of the Ghana Amputee Football Association (GAFA) on Monday, Ali Jaraa, former Ghana U-17 goalkeeper and Technical Director for the amputee squad, expressed frustration over the unfulfilled promises.
“We have been struggling since memorial each and every time,” Jaraa said.
“If the Amputee have to travel, they have to give their problem to the media and beg the authorities before.”
The complaints come just months before Ghana is set to host and defend their title at the African Amputee Football Nations Cup 2024, which will take place April 18-26.
Last September, the Black Challenge made history by winning Ghana’s first ever gold medal in amputee football at the Africa Para Games, defeating Morocco 2-1 in the final.
After that victory, the government pledged a reward of $2,000 per player. However, five months later, the players say they have not received the promised bonuses.
This is not the first time the team has faced issues over lack of funding from the government, according to Jaraah.
“In 2021, players paid their own way to participate in the African Cup of Nations tournament, even covering costs for the coach,” he said.
The cup we won is in the minister’s office so they cannot say the they know we are going to participate in this tournament.
“If we don’t participate, the Government to pay for an airfare to an individual to present the Cup in Egypt, that is not fair.
“We should try and put smiles on the disabled.”
He said the team are two times winners of the trophy and are eying to win it for the third time for keeps, urging the Government to see the need to support the team.
The African Amputee Football Cup of Nations 2024 from 18-26 April 2024, will have 16 African teams vying for top honours and it would also decide which teams will qualify for the WAFF World Cup 2026.
With the tournament approaching, the Black Challenge hopes the government will follow through on its promises and provide the support needed to defend their title in front of a home crowd.
