Committee to probe player-transfer inaugurated

Accra (Greater Accra), 13^th July 99 –

The Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr E. T. Mensah on Monday inaugurated a five-member Commission of Inquiry headed byMr Justice Nasii Sule Gbadegbe, an appeal court judge, to probe all illegal international transfers of Ghanaian footballers.

The other members are: Mr Abuga Pele, a Member of Parliament for Chiana-Paga Constituency, Mr Ate Allotey of the Office of National Security, Mr George Boro Dasoberi, Acting Director of the National Sports College with Miss Mercy Kwaah, a Principal State Attorney as member-secretary.

The committee has its legal backing from an amended Constitutional Instrument, CI 23 of April 30, 1999.

It is to determine in relation to any contract entered into for the international transfer of a footballer whether the sums negotiated under the contract was under declared by the club or agent to the Ghana Football Association (GFA).

It is also to investigate any dispute relating to any contract for the international transfer of any footballer, among others.

Mr Mensah said in line with the government's principle of probity and accountability, the President Jerry John Rawlings, called for the setting up the commission to deal with the issue.

He said the player transfer problem has not only affected the smooth running of the clubs but also adversely affected the individual players involved in such transactions.

The Minister noted that the players, who are victims of this bizarre arrangement, are unable to answer to national calls, when they are invited to offer their services to the country.

Quoting article 279 of the Constitution, the Minister said the commission shall have the powers, rights and privileges of a high court or a justice of the high court to trial, in respect of enforcing witnesses and examining them on oath affirmation or otherwise, among other things.

He said to ensure fairness, any person appearing before the commission has the legitimate right to be represented by a lawyer.

Justice Gabdegbe called on all persons, who have any relevant material on illegal player transfer to feel free to appear before the Commission adding that witnesses shall be well protected.

He said all those who feel they have been falsely accused should go and clear their names.

The Commission, which will sit in public at the Accra Sports Stadium, has five months to submit its findings.

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