We are not stranded – Ghana Supporters Union dismiss allegation

THE Ghana Supporters have dismissed allegation that they are stranded at the ongoing African Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire and are threatening to return home ahead of the Black Stars’ crucial game against the Pharaohs of Egypt today.

The supporters group said the reports were false, malicious, unfounded and orchestrated by some disgruntled persons for their personal aggrandizement.

Reports were rife in social and traditional media on Tuesday that the traveling fans were stranded in the Ivorian capital after they were transported by the ministry of youth and sports to support the senior national team to glory.

But addressing the media here in Abidjan yesterday, General Secretary of the supporters group, Kasim Osuman, said they remain resolute behind the Black Stars to deliver the much sought victory in today’s do or die encounter with the Egyptians.

“We want to state categorically that this allegation [that we are stranded and want to come back] is not true,” he stated.

He explained that before the supporters embarked on the trip, they were assured that their stipend would be paid before the first match against Cape Verde.

True to that assurance, Mr Osuman said officials from the ministry of youth and sports came and ensured that each and everyone received his or her stipend.

“So the allegation that we are stranded and not taken care of is not true. Everything that we need here has been taken care of.

“We want to assure Ghanaians that we are going to give the Black Stars the maximum support to deliver the much sought win to get Ghana’s campaign back on track.”

According to him, the number of Ghana Supporters at the tournament on the ticket of the ministry is 210 contrary to the 2000 stated by disgruntled fan, Abraham Boakye, popularly known as One Nan Supporter.

Responding to allegations that persons who made the trip were friends and families of the minister of sports, Mr Osuman said the claims were untrue.

He said the traveling fans comprised of various supporter groups that have been amalgamated into the Ghana Supporters in line with the recommendations of the Justice Senyo Dzamefe Commission following the Brazil 2014 World Cup debacle.

He wondered why One Man Supporter was complaining of being neglected having openly declared that he was no longer a member of the Ghana Supporters.

“When we came back from the World Cup in Qatar, he openly declared that he is no longer going to be part of the Ghana supporters. So after declaring he is no longer going to be a member Ghana supporters, it means that whatever assistance government has for the Ghana Supporters, he id not entitled to it.”

Mr Osuman rallied Ghanaians to dismiss the allegations and support the Black Stars to victory.