England v Ghana: Gov't Has Not Sponsored Fans

A Deputy Information Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa is upbeat about Ghana’s chances as they face England in a football friendly in London today.

The match, to be played at the Wembley Stadium is the first ever encounter between the two countries at this level. In an interview with the BBC, Mr. Okudzeto who is with a government delegation going to see the match said government this time around did not sponsor any fans to tonight’s game.

The government sponsored thousands of football fans to South Africa to support the Black Stars but the Deputy Minister said that is not the case with the England game – at least not directly.

He however said the government supported the Ghana Football Association to facilitate the travel of thousands of Ghanaians who want to go and watch the game.

Mr Ablakwa believes the sending of five key men back to their clubs ahead of the Wembley game by England manager Capello is an attempt to find excuses in the event that England lose the game. John Terry, Ashley Cole, Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney and Michael Dawson will not face Ghana, having started Saturday's Euro 2012 qualifying win over Wales.

But Ablakwa said for every key England player that is not playing, Ghana have an equal player that will not play in Tuesday’s game.