Justice Senyo Dzamefe, a nominee for the Supreme Court of Ghana
Justice Senyo Dzamefe, a nominee for the Supreme Court of Ghana, has described the airlifting of cash to Brazil during the 2014 FIFA World Cup as one of the most regrettable actions the country ever took in football administration.
Speaking during his vetting before the Appointments Committee of Parliament, Justice Dzamefe reflected on Ghana’s controversial campaign in Brazil and the findings of the Commission of Enquiry he chaired in the aftermath.
The commission was established by then-President John Dramani Mahama to investigate the events that led to Ghana’s early exit from the tournament and the accompanying public uproar over financial mismanagement.
“We said players should not be paid cash. We all saw what happened in Brazil when we had to fly money to Brazil for payment…it was one bad thing for Ghana,” Dzamefe stated.
The Justice noted that while some of the Commission’s recommendations have been implemented, others remain ignored.
Notably, he criticised the ongoing practice of flying supporters abroad at the state’s expense, despite the Commission’s suggestion to instead fund match tickets for Ghanaians already residing in host nations.
Dzamefe also emphasized the need for better planning and budgeting, citing delays in match-related financial preparations.
“We recommended that the state should know far ahead of time so that they can prepare,” he said.
