Togbe Afede XIV calls on government to support local football clubs

The Board Chairman of Accra Hearts of Oak Togbe Afede XIV, has called on the Government of Ghana to support local clubs with a stimulus package to reduce their financial burden.

With local clubs struggling to pay players as there is nothing coming into their coffers from gate proceeds,  the Phobian Board Chairman wants the government to rescue clubs.

Reports say the Ghana FA has since presented a strategic document to the government requesting for football clubs in the era of covid-19 pandemic.

But the government appears to be dragging its feet in offering support despite claims that the Youth Employment Agency will be tasked to support clubs.

The financier of the Accra-based team who doubles as president of the National House of Chiefs justified why the government needs to support the clubs.

“In terms of government support, it’s necessary. All over the world, governments have stepped in to support. What we’re going through today, is not only limited to Ghana.

“The havoc it has done to this world is what we see today in Ghana. And it’s not only the football that is suffering, all other sectors are suffering.

“If people in America need a bailout, people in America need a bailout, how much more those of us here?” ,” Togbe Afede said.

“I think that football is such an important sector and government needs to step in. It’s sad that the contribution of football to our economy is not well-appreciated,” the Hearts of Oak majority shareholder said.

The government in March banned all sporting activities as it sought to insulate the populace against the spread of the dreaded covid-19, which has killed at least 58 people and infected more than 12,000.