An attempt by the Sports Ministry to use the death of Junior Agogo to court public sympathy to paper over their perceived failures has backfired as some Ghanaians on social media have slammed them for being ‘hypocrites’ and pretentious’.
Reports of Agogo’s fight with stroke came public four years ago with the striker revealing in an interview with the BBC last year that he has been neglected by the government and his teammates.
Despite the public appeal for love and support by the striker who bagged 12 goals for the Black Stars, neither the government nor the ministry reached out to him. Interestingly hours after news of his demise went viral, the official Twitter handle of the ministry posted “You epitomized a phrase in our national anthem 'Bold to defend' and as it were, the privilege and the pride to represent your country with the Black Stars. Indeed, you will be fondly remembered for the memories”.
The post which was meant to be an expression of the Ministry’s grief over Agogo’s passing was rather met with a barrage of attacks by Ghanaians who questioned the logic in singing the praise of a dead person whom you failed to help.
The Ministry has enjoyed negative publicity since it emerged that it blew 4.5 million cedis on the 2019 AFCON despite Ghana exiting at the second round stage.
The failure of the Ministry to make a definite pronouncement on the future of coach Kwesi Appiah and Ghana’s poor preparations for the 2019 African Games are some of the issues highlighted by critics.
The post by the President’s handle on Agogo’s death also received similar reactions from Ghanaians.
Below are the reactions
You epitomized a phrase in our national anthem 'Bold to defend' and as it were, the privilege and the pride to represent your country with the @ghanafaofficial Black Stars.
— Min. of Youth & Sports GH (@MOYSGh) August 22, 2019
Indeed, you will be fondly remembered for the memories
RIP Junior Agogo! pic.twitter.com/d6KN5QXbyS
You did not offer to help when he needed it.
— AFRIYIE (@MacEvans16) August 22, 2019
Nonsense, what did you do to support him when he was alive, If you have nothing to offer just keep mute. All you know is wishes and money. Hypocrite
— Mayor (@Mayor52510668) August 22, 2019
Below is for your attention ???? I know Junior Agogo spoke the truth. Very sad!
— Lartey Nyaunu (@OdumaseKrobo) August 22, 2019
Rest well Jr. Agogo pic.twitter.com/EGGBZFha0n
Now that he is dead de3 you are talking about him
— myzta ashez (@myzta_ashez) August 22, 2019
When he needed you nothing was done for him
just see how the ministry is quick to express its condolence. This guy who has served the national colours needed helped and got none from the Ministry.
— Philip LivingStone (@philipgyet) August 22, 2019
SHAME on @MOYSGh
What was the Backup support from GFA when he was in his deteriorating condition, sometime let's celebrate our Heroes when they are still alive with us and not only after death then you will come with your big big grammar as way of showing condolence
— Abdul Karim Bin Khalid Ansarullah (@KarimAnsarullah) August 22, 2019
Foolish Country
— Quame_Bryan???????????????? (@QuameBryan) August 22, 2019
When he needed your help non was there for him, but now see!!! We need go grow up and celebrate our Legends now not when he or she is Dead ????
