Opinions of Saturday, 18 July 2026

Columnist: Bilal Muazu Sulemana

Open letter to the Minister of Sports on allegations of financial demands on players before call-ups

Bilal Muazu Sulemana is the author of this article Bilal Muazu Sulemana is the author of this article

To: The Honourable Minister

Ministry of Sports and Recreation

Accra, Ghana

Dear Honourable Minister,

I, Bilal Muazu Sulemana, former Chief Executive Officer of Yeji Stars Football Club, respectfully petition the Ministry of Sports and Recreation to institute an independent, impartial, and transparent investigation into recent allegations concerning the player selection process for Ghana's senior national football team, the Black Stars.

Reports circulating in both traditional and social media allege that Ghanaian striker Prince Owusu was asked to surrender 70% of his appearance fees and other bonuses as a condition for receiving a call-up to the Black Stars.

While these allegations remain unverified, they are extremely serious and have the potential to undermine public confidence in the integrity of Ghanaian football. As such, they warrant a thorough and independent investigation.

Furthermore, former Black Stars midfielder Sulley Ali Muntari has, on previous occasions, publicly raised concerns regarding alleged unethical practices surrounding the management and administration of the national team.

Although those allegations have not been conclusively established, the recurrence of similar claims warrants an independent inquiry in the interest of transparency and accountability.

The credibility of Ghanaian football depends on a player selection process that is transparent, merit-based, and free from corruption, financial inducement, or undue influence.

If these allegations are found to be false, a comprehensive investigation will help clear the names of the Ghana Football Association and any individuals implicated. Conversely, if any wrongdoing is established, those responsible should be held accountable in accordance with the laws of Ghana, the regulations of the Ghana Football Association, the statutes of CAF, and the FIFA Code of Ethics.

I respectfully request that the Ministry:

•Establish an independent committee to investigate these allegations.

•Invite all relevant persons, including Prince Owusu, Bigscout Media and other media outlets that published the allegations, the unidentified lady who made the claims (where her identity can be established), officials of the Ghana Football Association, and any other persons with relevant information to provide evidence.

•Publish the findings of the investigation in the interest of transparency and public accountability.

•Recommend and implement appropriate reforms to safeguard the integrity of player selection and the administration of the Black Stars.

The Black Stars remain a symbol of national pride and unity. It is therefore imperative that every Ghanaian has confidence that players are selected solely on merit and that no player is subjected to improper financial demands or undue influence as a condition for national team selection.

I trust that your office will give this petition the urgent attention it deserves in the best interest of Ghanaian football. Attach pen drive contains the footage of the allegations.

Yours faithfully,

…………………………..

Bilal Muazu Sulemana

Former Chief Executive Officer

Yeji Stars Football Club