Gov't will implement recommendations of Brazil inquiry

Mr Mahama Ayariga, Minister of Youth and Sports, on Wednesday assured Parliament of government’s commitment to act on the recommendations of the committee investigating Ghana’s participation in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

He said government intended to address the lapses that contributed to the country’s poor showing at the tournament, saying “a forward-looking inquiry will expose lapses to engender reforms to improve the organization of Ghana’s participation in future football tournaments”.

Mr. Ayariga gave the assurance when he made a statement on the floor of Parliament informing it about the three-member committee set up by government to investigate activities before, during and after Ghana’s participation in the soccer fiesta.

The members of the committee include Justice Senyo Dzamefe, a Justice of the Court of Appeal, Mr Moses Foh Amoanning, Lawyer and sports administrator and Mr Kofi Anokye Owusu Darko, a banker and sports enthusiast.

The committee has 30 days to make recommendations to the Government.

Mr Ayarigah told Parliament that he expected stakeholders to cooperate with the committee, adding “we have no doubt that FIFA will not have objections to participating the nation's review and inquiry into their poor performance with a view to carrying out reforms that will improve their national teams.

“Stronger teams will ensure more exciting FIFA tournaments," he said.

The committee will inquire into matters relating to Ghana’s Black Stars team’s preparation for the tournament and lapses that caused their early exit.

It will also look into matters relating to the management of the team and events in their camp during the tournament.

The committee has also been tasked to peruse issues relating to the treatment of Ghanaian football fans sent to support the Black Stars by the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

It is expected to advice government on the financing of activities of the senior national team and other national teams and query all other related matters of public interest concerning the organisation of Ghana’s Black Stars’ participation in the tournament.