Govt neglected us so we bought jerseys from Kantamanto - Amputee Football team
Ghana’s Amputee Football Team, the Black Challenge, emerged victorious at the 2024 Amputee AFCON in Egypt, but their success was overshadowed by neglect from authorities. Despite their triumph, the team had to resort to purchasing their own jerseys from Kantamanto market due to a lack of support.
The team’s coach, Richard Obeng, revealed that the Ministry of Youth and Sports only covered the cost of flight tickets and participation fees, leaving the team to fend for themselves.
According to him, they were left to manage their expenses independently and didn’t receive any additional support beyond the participation fee of $8,500.
The team’s victory was met with criticism from Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif, who questioned their decision to accept external donations, including a $10,000 gift from former President John Dramani Mahama and not render accounts to the ministry as it is a national team.
However, Obeng clarified that the team had no choice but to seek external support due to the lack of funding from the government.
Despite the challenges they faced, the Black Challenge secured their place in the 2026 Amputee Football World Cup in Panama, a testament to their determination and resilience.
Social media users reacted with outrage and disbelief, citing the team’s mistreatment. “A nation’s greatness is measured by how it treats its weakest members,” one user wrote. Others recalled the team’s previous struggles, including traveling to Nigeria by bus and getting robbed. “They shouldn’t give them a pesewa,” one user said, criticizing the Ministry’s request for accountability.
Some users defended the Ministry’s request, stating that public funds must be accounted for. “It’s just accounting and reporting,” one user explained. However, many others saw the request as hypocritical, questioning why the Minister hadn’t asked the GFA president to render accounts of government funds received.
The controversy sparked a wider conversation about Ghana’s treatment of people with disabilities. “Ghana’s treatment of disabled people in this country is beyond evilness,” one user wrote. Amidst the backlash, many Ghanaians rallied behind the team, offering prayers and blessings. “More donations and blessings unto you all,” one user said.
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