The Ghana Football Association has rubbished claims of Black Stars 'begging for food' in the United States of America ahead of the side's international against the Yankees on Saturday.
Reports surfaced in the West African nation on Friday that players of the senior national team had to rely on the benevolence of Ghanaian residents in Connecticut to survive.
While the Federation admits it encountered difficulty with their traveling plans from Houston to Hartford, Connecticut, attempts to paint a gloomy picture of the situation smacks of diabolism and a well-orchestrated plan to ostracize the FA in the eyes of the Ghanaian public.
The FA has been forced to set the record straight regarding their trip, insisting it has not shirk its responsibility.
"The Ghana Football Association's attention has been drawn to media commentary about the Black Stars journey from Houston to Hartford, Connecticut,"
"We had to fly the Black Stars for the journey from Houston and Hartford because there were no direct flights on the journey.
"Because of the distance the FA decided to fly all the players’ business class as is the norm in travel for the senior national team.
"Because of the numbers the airlines could not accommodate all of the players on one flight, so we had to break the team into groups, this clearly created some inconveniences.
"However, the federation ensured that each group traveled with at least a management member all the way through. "
The FA also clarified the situation which led to captain Assamoah Gyan using his credit card to save a situation regarding two players.
"For the two players who joined us in the US, the Vice President of GFA George Afriyie, was on call at the airport to pay so that they will not travel on another separate airline. The airline regrettably could not accept cash. Captain Asamoah Gyan paid with his credit card and was subsequently reimbursed.
"Since the team arrived here in Hartford many Ghanaians based here in Connecticut have come to support the team and out of enthusiasm have brought them Ghana food although unsolicited.
"The management had already arranged for food from the hotel's restaurant before the team's arrival and the team was fully sufficient with food.
"Let's also put it on record that the GFA ONLY paid for the players, technical and management on this trip.
"Any other Ghanaian who traveled here be it journalists, fans, members of the Ghana football fraternity or relatives of officials of the GFA we not paid for by the GFA."
The four-time African champions will renew its rivalry with the Americans ahead of the meeting of the two nations on Saturday.
The Black Stars lost 1-0 to Mexico in a similar exercise in Houston on Thursday.
Latest Stories
-
What the Rocket Classic reveals about the state of the PGA Tour in 2025
5 minutes -
Chief of Staff Julius Debrah rallies corporate Ghana for Joy Sports Invitational 2025
15 minutes -
Cedi can rival dollar if Ghanaians restore trust, says BoG governor
31 minutes -
Swedru police burn 10 wee ghettos; 4 arrested
40 minutes -
ICU Ghana elects new youth leaders at 6th National Quadrennial Delegates’ Conference
49 minutes -
Ghana to participate in maiden ANOCA School Games in Algeria
60 minutes -
Ghana, Serbia to sign labour mobility agreement as bilateral ties deepen
1 hour -
Armwrestling: Glico insures Golden Arms, NHIA, NPA, others support for Africa Championship
1 hour -
The dollar is not a legal tender in Ghana, you can reject it as medium of payment – BoG Governor
1 hour -
Ghanaians will vote NDC out if Mahama fails ‘galamsey’ fight – Tony Aidoo
2 hours -
WAFCON 2024: ‘We believed in ourselves’ – Chantelle on Black Queens’ big win over Tanzania
2 hours -
WAFCON 2024: ‘Proud to wear the Ghana badge’ at competition – Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah
2 hours -
Respect Ghana laws and desist from divisive conduct – Okudzeto warns Igbo leader
2 hours -
Chief of Staff confirms participation in 2025 JoySports Invitational
2 hours -
Defence Minister rewards soldier who rejected ‘galamsey bribe’
2 hours