By Patrick Akoto
Ex-Ghana FA chief MND Jawula has hit back at critics who have questioned the approved budget for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, describing them as ââ¬Ënoise-makersââ¬â¢.
Massive uproar greeted the approved $9.4million budget for the global showpiece in Brazil.
Critics wasted no time in lambasting the Ministry of Sports for approving what they claim is a huge figure for a developing nation like Ghana.
Every budget for Ghanaââ¬â¢s World Cup participation resurrects a ritual of debate over whether the amount is prudent for a one-month long competition or an overly wasteful outlay of scarce resources and 2014 was no exception.
But outspoken former Ghana FA chairman, MND Jawula says the criticism are misplaced.
ââ¬ÅI donââ¬â¢t understand the noise that has generated the World Cup budget,â⬠he said
ââ¬ÅI hear people comparing us to USA and others. What is the evidence that US has approved $2 million for the World Cup?
ââ¬ÅSome people will just sit at the comfort of their homes and make baseless accusations without facts.
ââ¬ÅI describe such people as ââ¬Ënoise-makersââ¬â¢. People talk as if people at the FA are hiding something.
ââ¬ÅItââ¬â¢s an open and transparent process where all stakeholders are privy to information. You cannot hide anything.
ââ¬ÅWe should focus on the tournament and stop these unnecessary discussions.ââ¬
Current FA boss Kwesi Nyantakyi has been accused by a section of the media of bloating figures in the 2014 World Cup budget - a claim which is yet to be substantiated.
Many high-profile personalities including Stephen Appiah and Tony Baffoe have insisted the players are worth every penny that they are given.