Ghanaians express reservations online about hosting AFCON

When news filtered in that the Confederation of African Football has enquired from Ghanaian authorities the possibility of hosting the 2015 Cup of Nations should Morocco pull out of hosting the competition, Ghanaians with different backgrounds have questioned the appropriateness of the request and enthusiasm of the sports minister in alluding to the preparedness of the state in hosting the event.

Social media in particular has been set ablaze with comments on GhanaWeb facebook wall and other platforms.

The disapproval of many of the commentators stem from these considerations: That the government is negotiating for a bailout package from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to help curtail expenditure and boost a revival of the economy.

The question is should Ghana host the event, which money will be pumped into the construction or maintenance of infrastructure? Such monies could be used to address challenges that affect citizens directly.

That an Ebola outbreak in West Africa is the main reason why Morocco, the original host in North Africa has asked for a postponement of the tournament so that the incidence of the virus spreading due to the mass gathering of people is curtailed.

That the state is facing power crisis which is having dire consequences on industries and social life is not receiving adequate attention.

That similar claims that hosting the tournament in 2008 would boost trade and development is flawed as evident in the deterioration of the Accra Sports stadium as well as the other stadia few years after their rehabilitation or construction for the Nation’s cup in 2008.

What is then the overriding consideration for wanting to host a tournament that no one wants to have?

Here are a few of the over 120 comments we had:

Della Russel: Are we serious as a country? We are negotiating a bailout with the ?#?IMF? and yet we are thinking of hosting the 2015 Cup of Nations. Not to talk about our energy challenges. Where's our thinking? If we have such monies in place for such purposes, why go to #IMF then???

D2: It is terribly wrong when politics are read into events like this. John I think you are quite off target in your comment. The GMA has a very strong case here. They should and with the support of all affiliated medical bodies in the country kick against this suicide decision to host the event in Ghana.

John, Tema: The point is John Mahama NDC govt has failed to deliver what he promised to do,for now what they are looking to do is equalization. Kufour hosted it so they also want to do the same,they don't care about the citizenry.

Mantse: Following is a statement from the Moroccan Minister for Sports: “Our concern is the health of Africa, and based on WHO reports and guidelines, we have to listen”

If what Morocco is saying is the real cause for their withdrawal, then Ghana, an African Country, must be equally concerned. Especially so when Ghana is much closer to the EBOLA infected Zone and more people from EBOLA stricken areas, possibly infected, may wish to make the trip.

The Moroccan Sports Minister's statement is about the HEALTH of Africa which includes the Health of Ghana.

Sadly, our Ministers are making calls that are neither in the Best Interest of Ghana nor the Ghanaian People.

How come our Ministers did NOT consider the WHO Report as the Moroccans did? Is it because we do not think deep enough or just Lack the Capacity to so reason or INEXPERIENCE or Because of the Monetary Rewards that will inure to only a few or ALL the Above?

BURKINA AKONFEM: Ghana cant even clean its own filth from cholera and still wants to invite even more disaster to the country...should Ebola enter Ghana --would Ghana seek help from other countries to fight it?? how the hell have we come to this?

AKORA OTENG: Now that NDC has ruined our economy we can seek from CAF to block all supporters from travelling to Ghana and give GTV the SOLE RIGHTS to transmit LIVE all the MATCHES so that people can watch the matches on their TV monitors in their home countries. They have to allow only the TEAM of PLAYERS,their COACHES and TECH. ASSISTS. to come in. This will allow our HEALTH WORKERS the minimum work of having to take care of all EBOLA related cases. And bring a bit of revenue to GTV and the STATE.

Ojo kwasi: Listen to what the Morroco minister of sports said: "what is the significance of financial losses as compared to human losses?". It is absolutely clear that the price will be too huge to pay if we host the games come 2015.

MR TRUELY TRULY: PLEASE DO NOT TRY TO EVEN ACCEPT THIS SECONDHAND DANGEROUS OFFER AT ALL COST. CAF NEEDS TO WAIT WHEN THE EBOLA IS VANISH ON THE CONTINENT. GHANA IS THE NEXT POSSIBLE EBOLA POST IF DRASTIC SECURITY DEFY HEALTHY STANDARDS.

The African Patriot: SORRY, BUT WE HAVE STUPID LEADERS NEARLY EVERYWHERE IN GHANA. WHY STRUGGLING FOR MONEY AT ALL TIME WITHOUT ANY COST? MORALS WENT LOST IN GHANA. IT IS A SHAME TO BE A GHANAIAN NOWADAYS.

Gima: Why this wahala? Will anybody die if there is no AFCON 2015? Let the AFCON calendar read.. 2015-No Competition. Those who want free 'appearance' money will fight for Ghana to host it and import Ebola.