GFA scribe backs appearance fee for officials

Emmanuel Gyimah, General Secretary of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has backed the payment of appearance fees to Management Committee members of the Black Stars during competitions.

Gyimah, on Tuesday, told the Justice Senyo Dzamefe Presidential Commission of Inquiry, that, the management committee members also play a vital role in the success of the team at competitions hence deserves to be paid appearance fees.

According to Gyimah, the management members have been playing a major role behind the scene, hence the need to recognise their efforts.

He however noted that, the practice of appearance fee had been in existence since 2006 World Cup but added that it should be reviewed in future.

According to Gyimah, appearance fee should be paid after the competition when funds from FIFA arrive, in a bid to avoid situations where government had to advance funds to the GFA to make payments.

He said the economic conditions of the country make it difficult for the country to continue the practice.

He also confirmed members of the Management Committee of the Black Stars received $82,500 each as appearance for the first three matches at the World Cup in Brazil.

According to Mr. Gyimah, the amount covered seven management committee members though only five management committee members were present at the World Cup.

The General Secretary, in his testimony noted that, he received a total of $577, 500 from the Chief Accountant of the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

He added that, the amount represents $82,500, for each for seven management committee members.

According to Gyimah, the entire money was handed to the president of the GFA, Mr. Kwesi Nyantakyi, since he was the one who signed the “Authority Note”.

He however stated that, he had no knowledge of how the money was used after handing over to Mr Nyantakyi adding he only acted as the messenger.