Black Stars players should put commitment before money- Afriyie Ankrah

Elvis Afriyie Ankrah has cautioned the playing body of the senior national team not to take the opportunity given them to represent the nation for granted and take the nation to ransom.

Afriyie Ankrah was the Sports Minister when the Black Stars boycotted training over delay in the payment of appearance fees ahead of their FIFA World Cup game against Portugal.

This contributed to his sack as the minister in charge of sports and a Presidential Commission of Inquiry was subsequently set up to probe into matters that led to Ghana’s shambolic World Cup campaign.

Afriyie Ankrah, who is now working in the presidency as a minister of state has advised the current Black Stars team to put the nation before money.

“We are told stories where by some of them had to play in situations they had their legs broken. We all know our recent history, where because of money players decided not to play," he told Hot FM.

“I do not think that the C.K Gyamfi era would have done that, eventually they got their money anyway. They refused to train and that affected their performance.

“We should put money commitment for the money above money. As a footballer it is a privilege to be called to play for the national team, they should not take it for granted and take the nation to ransom.