General News of Saturday, 25 October 2014

Source: GNA

Commission will use evidence - Dzamefe

The Presidential Commission of Inquiry tasked to probe Ghana’s participation at the FIFA 2014 Brazil World Cup would work with the evidence before it, Justice Senyo Dzamefe, the Chairman, has assured.

“The Commission will not give recommendations outside the evidence available to it in its final report”.

He said their work was a fact-finding mission to set the records straight on the Black Stars’ participation in the quadrennial championship.

He explained that though the Commission was not set up to witch-hunt, it would not hesitate to give recommendations for offenders to be punished. “If you are a witch we will hunt you”.

The Commission is touring some selected towns to solicit views from stakeholders in the Ashanti, Brong-Ahafo and Eastern Regions.

Participants included football administrators, referees, footballers, coaches, the media and a cross-section of the football fans.

Mr. Justice Dzamefe indicated that it was appropriate for the Commission to embark on a regional tour to get the views of all those who mattered in Ghana football.

The Commission, he said, would be meeting the likes of Rashid Sumaila, Fatau Dauda and Stephen Adams on October 29, while arrangements were also being made for Kevin Prince Boateng, Michael Essien and Sulley Muntari to appear before it.

This, he said, was necessary since it was fair for all those who matter to be heard.

Justice Dzamefe indicated that the Commission was yet to receive from the Ghana Football Association (GFA) the full list of the management members who benefitted from bonuses paid to officials during the World Cup.

“We hope to get the full list before the close of our work”, he stated.

Participants who appeared before the Commission came up with many suggestions including the need to scrap appearance fees for the Black Stars, reducing winning bonuses, funding of the other national teams, dissolving the Stars management team and among others.