Sports News of Sunday, 13 July 2014

Source: GNA

I will rebrand Ghana football - Ayariga

Newly appointed Minister of Youth and Sports Mahama Ayariga has assured Ghanaians that his team is committed to rebranding Ghana again in the world as a strong team to reckon with.

He said this at the first day of the two-day retreat aimed at streamlining the game of football and reflect on developments in the performance of the country in the area of competitive football and advice on how to fashion out a national response strategy.

The Black Stars displayed a poor showing at the World Cup in Brazil, and he said he was working things out with his team to redeem the image of Ghana at the international level that Ghana is a strong football nation.

Ayariga said: “We are grateful to partner with Ghana Football Association to rebrand Ghana not just locally but at the international level. I want to assure Ghanaians that this is not going to be another mere talk, but my deputy and I are committed to take on board every advice given after the deliberations and take very committed steps to implement them.”

He added that, the issue of carrying money in cash to pay athletes as compared to what occurred in Brazil when the government flew three million dollars during the World Cup would come to a halt.

“I gave several directives this morning and one is our participation in the Common Wealth games in Glasgow next month. I also gave out the directive that no official either from the ministry or anybody under the auspices of the Sports Ministry will be allowed to carry cash in excess of what is lawfully allowed by the Bank of Ghana or the receiving nation.

He noted that the Ministry would ensure that all resources will be made available for the development of sports and the participation of Ghana at any International competitions, and the monies would be used judiciously and accountable for the good people of Ghana.

He, therefore, tasked the chief director of the Ministry of Youth and Sports and his director of financial administration to present to him a detailed account of monies extended by the outfit at the Brazil 2014 tournament by seven days.