Ghana deputy captain John Mensah has angrily condemned a report in a newspaper in his country claiming that he used his car the block the entrance of the Ghana Football Association building over unpaid World Cup bonuses.
A report published in the Daily Graphic on Wednesday claimed that the Lyon player was angry when told that he could not receive the remainder of his World Cup bonus.
But the Black Stars deputy captain has rejected the report insisting he didn’t even go to the Ghana FA discuss bonuses.
Mensah insists he didn’t block the entrance as he only stopped to greet a popular friend known in Ghanaian football circles as Alhaji Hearts.
“The report is totally false and bias and I can only think that it is calculated to damage me in the eyes of Ghanaians,†Mensah told Ghanasoccernet from his base in France.
“I went to the Ghana FA offices to see Mr. Alex Asante on some personal issues and did not even go there to talk about any bonus.
“On my way out I met Alhaji Hearts who is my personal friend and I stopped at the exit to greet and joke with him – with no vehicles entering or exiting.
“After we had finished joking and exchanging pleasantries I drove off only to be told of this report in the respected Daily Graphic today.
“I think the reporter could have done a better job of cross checking or least to get my version of the events but to go ahead with the report is not fair.
“I want to state that it is not the truth and the report should be ignored by all.â€
Meanwhile, Alhaji Hearts has corroborated Mensah’s version of events, expressing his shock at the report carried in the newspaper.
“I am surprised that such a report has been carried in the newspaper when nothing of that sort occurred,†Alhaji Hearts told Asempa FM.
“I am on very good terms with Mensah and we joke a lot when we meet and that was what occurred at the Ghana FA offices.
“Mensah was not angry and he did not block and vehicles as he only stopped to greet me. I am shocked that he has been painted in this light.â€
Mensah has returned to France to train with his club Lyon as his club future is being sorted out.