Being the first to qualify Ghana to the 2020 Tokyo Olympic games in Japan, the Black Bombers Captain Sulemana Tetteh has a lot to get off his chest following the hustle they went through in Senegal for the qualifiers leading to his qualification.
After being given the opportunity to meet the Minister for Sports, Tetteh and his team had to place their grievances forward to be redressed accordingly.
Sulemana Tetteh quizzed “We went to Senegal for the Olympic qualifiers and from the onset, it was a hustle with constant calling on the Ghana Olympic Committee President Mr. Ben Nunoo who always came to our aid. We were held at our hotel reception for hours for reasons best left to our management, after returning with three qualifications all we have been given is GHC800 which is less than expected. How are you going to ensure these instances do not happen again as we prepare for the Tokyo Olypmpics?”
As the Minster was about to answer his question, his teammates, Bastir added his view about their predicament and pleaded with the Minister to help them with ample support so as they get motivated to bring laurels to Ghana.
“My brothers told me that when they went for games, their per diems and allowances were all paid and that motivated them to do more. Like I said on a tv station previously, you can’t win a war without having a backup”
The minster summed their plights up in one answer saying, “we have made plans for you and its not just to give you money for your performance but to ensure you are well sorted at anytime on national assignment.”
Coach Ofori Asare, the head coach of the Black Bombers used the opportunity to thank the Sports Minister, The GOC President, the Ghana Boxing Federation President and all stakeholders present for their support to the team during these time and promised their determination and continued training will surely bring Ghana a medal from the country where Ghana has a history when it comes to the Olymics.
Photo Credit: 29BoxingStudio
Written by: Nana Kojo Sakyie Eduafo-Quansah