Dreams FC's Ameenu Shardow swats 'harsh and factually incorrect' criticisms against Ghana FA

Dreams FC Administrative Secretary Ameenu Shardow has leapt to the defence of the Ghana Football Association saying it is sensitive to the plight of clubs.

The former footballer writer has squashed calls that the Kurt Okraku-led administration has not done enough to alleviate its members.

Below is the full text of Shardow's blog on Facebook page in his response to critics of the Ghana FA:

''It is very clear that majority of football clubs in Ghana are in grave need of support especially in these difficult Covid-19 times. However to suggest this Ghana Football Association administration is insensitive to these needs as its being alleged in some quarters is overly harsh and factually incorrect.

''To the contrary, there is enough evidence that this Ghana FA administration has demonstrated its readiness to support its members in various forms.

1. Approximately US$ 400,000 from the US$ 1m received from Globacom was shared amongst Premier, Division One, RFA’s and Women Premier League clubs before the commencement of the season. Due to recent development, this support which was initially meant to be a loan facility extended to clubs against any future inflow, has been completely wiped off for clubs in Division One and Women Premier while 50% has been written off for Premier League clubs.
2. Ghc 300,000 was paid to settle part of the debt owed the Referees Association of Ghana for services rendered over the years.
3. GHc113,370 was paid to settle part of the debt owed the Match Commissioners Association of Ghana.
4. Ghc 100,000 was shared amongst the ten Regional Football Association (Ghc 10,000 each) to support their operations.
5. Registration cards for Premier and Division One League clubs was subsidized by 80% while being made free for all juvenile clubs.
6. Logistical support to clubs through the provision of 40 footballs to clubs in the Premier League, 30 to clubs in Division One, 30 to Women's Premier League clubs and 1000 footballs shared amongst the 10 RFA's. Assuming using conservative cost of a football at 80 cedis, it means Ghc 57,600 was expended on clubs in the Premier League, Ghc 115,200 to Division One League clubs, Ghc 38,400 to Women Premier League clubs, Ghc 80,000 to RFA’s. Totaling Ghc 291,200.

These are some of the direct interventions made by the current administration I can readily recall. Mind you, this current administration has been in office for barely six months.

Of course we're nowhere near the desired point and clubs may be legitimate in making further demands. However let it not be told that our association has done absolutely nothing to alleviate the plight of its members since assuming office.

Knowing the passion with which leadership is pursuing all leads in trying to secure more support for members and judging by its recent history, I’m left in no doubt at all that given the opportunity of more resources with our continued prayers and support further support will be extended to members.''