Sports
Time to stop the GAA, Martha Bissah war
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There is an end to everything. There is an end to every war. Indeed, nothing in this world lasts forever.
That, perhaps, is the reason why in moments of war or antagonism, there is always a window of opening to smoking the peace pipe.
Thus, after about six years of a battling disaffection and rancour, the stand-off between the Ghana Athletics Association (GAA) and the nation’s junior Olympic gold medalist – Martha Bissah, must be brought to an amicable end.
Martha, then 17, was placed on ice by the GAA for what it termed gross insubordination and indiscipline – claims the now 23-year-old US-based Ghanaian athlete decisively padded away – insisting she was victimised for speaking against the system.
Her ban came on the heels of the 11th All Africa Games in 2015, having a year earlier picked gold (nation’s only) in the 800m event at the Summer Youth Olympics in Nanjing, China.
That phenomenal performance was copiously hailed globally, and also got President John Mahama celebrating that momentous feat with a GH¢10,000 gift to the young heroine.
Ghana was once again in the spotlight for the right reasons.
Unfortunately, what was expected to instantly sparkle up Martha’s career, almost turned into a nightmarish ‘golden curse’ as the GAA indefinite suspension detonated with a big boom!
It came as complete stunner to many.
Mentally tattered and fatally distraught, Martha thought about hanging her spikes prematurely at age 18. A potentially magnificent career was about to be cut off and hurled into the bin.
Luckily, there was a divine intervention with the emergence of Ambassador George Haldane Lutterodt, a former GAA boss – who together with former national athlete – Kwaku Nimako, managed to secure scholarship for the poor girl at the Norfolk State University (NSU).
Indeed, since her arrival in the US, Martha has mushroomed into a phenomenal package, clinching hordes of laurels including being voted the 2018 NSU Female Athlete of the Year.
But for the GAA, her buoyant performances and professional glamour meant nothing to trigger a reversal of the ban – unless she apologises and pleads for clemency.
But Martha insisted she had done no wrong and could not apologise for a sin she did not commit.
Question is, for how long would this hostility continue? Can we as a nation not find an end to this all this while?
Shame unto us all!
Two years ago, the immediate past Minister of Youth and Sports, Isaac Kwame Asiamah, decided to step into the ‘fray’ after Martha’s consistent prodding, and directed the Prof. Francis Dodoo-led GAA to resolve the issue to enable the athlete compete for Ghana again. Sadly, nothing was done about the situation, the GAA jealously but doggedly sticking to its gun.
Most definitely, it is against this saturnine backdrop that Ambassador Lutterodt is urging retained GOC President Ben Nunoo Mensah, to stick out a finger into the long-running imbroglio and resolve it once and for all.
It a big shame on all of us – especially the authorities, to have allowed this issue to run for six solid years without finding a lasting panacea. What kind of people are we? Are we dealing with a murder case involving the poor, naive Martha?
It costs the earth; it costs an arm and a leg to continue to allow this issue to persist. It would be too expensive to bear and we shall look back biting our fingers off years later by failing to bring finality to this matter.
The entire thing is now getting messier – and it is like watching sausage getting made.
The two main feuding parties (GAA and Martha Bissah) and all affiliates must sit down, grin and bear it in the supreme interest of Ghana sports!
This ridiculous ‘war’ must stop! It is not fun and does not make sense any longer.
PlainTalk
With John Vigah
Accra Hearts of Oak and Dreams FC will headline Matchday 5 of the Ghana Premier League when the two sides meet at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium tomorrow, with both clubs seeking a result that could shape their early season campaign.
The encounter comes at a crucial moment for the two sides with the Phobians looking to recover from their first defeat of the campaign and Dreams still searching for their first victory after four matches.
The Rainbow lads started the season strongly but were beaten 1-0 by Karela United last weekend, while Dreams suffered a slim 1-0 defeat to Bechem United.
Hearts had earlier recorded impressive victories over Berekum Chelsea and Bibiani Gold Stars before drawing goalless with Bechem United, leaving the club with seven points from their opening four matches.
Their defeat at Karela United, however, means they will be under pressure to quickly return to winning ways against a Dreams side determined to make home advantage count.
Dreams, meanwhile, have endured a difficult beginning to the campaign and will see tomorrow’s fixture as an opportunity to change their fortunes.
The ‘Still Believe’ side have collected points from only their opening draws and are yet to register a victory, making the meeting with one of the country’s traditional giants an important test of their character.
Elsewhere, Vision FC will welcome Bibiani Gold Stars to the Nii Adjei Kraku II Sports Complex today, with both teams looking to strengthen their positions.
Vision have shown encouraging form in the early stages, while Gold Stars will be seeking a response after suffering a 2-0 home defeat to newcomers Port City FC.
At the Debibi Presby Park, newly promoted Debibi United will face defending champions Medeama SC tomorrow.
Medeama finally opened their account with a convincing 4-1 victory over Basake Holy Stars and will be hoping that the result marks the beginning of a stronger title defence.
Port City FC will continue their impressive debut campaign when they host Bechem United at the Daasebere Boamah Darko II Park.
Basake Holy Stars will attempt to recover from their heavy defeat to Medeama when they host Berekum Chelsea at the Ampain AAK II Sports Arena.
Aduana FC will welcome Swedru All Blacks to the Nana Agyemang Badu I Park after producing one of the weekend’s most notable results last Sunday.
At the Kpando Stadium, Heart of Lions will host FC AshantiGold ’04 in another meeting between sides coming off victories.
FC Samartex 1996 will meanwhile welcome Young Apostles FC to the Nsenkyire Sports Arena, with the home side seeking to maintain their unbeaten start to the campaign.
By Enoch Ntiamoah Siaw
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Tuesday, September 29, 2026 would go into the annals of Ghana football as one of the darkest days for the Black Stars.
In an AFCON 2027 qualifier against The Gambia, the Black Stars did not only break the hearts of the fans, but conceded a defeat that left followers with sleepless nights.
Coming from a Matchday 1 defeat to the Elephants of La Cote d’Ivoire in Bouake, the outcome of the second game against The Gambia was one that was non-negotiable.
It had the ability to spark a revival to contend for one of the slots for the next AFCON showpiece.
The Gambia is a formidable side but definitely, not one to have frustrated Ghanaians to watch in pain and awe the Black Stars lose a game from a winning position.
That is a possibility in the game of football but when the stakes are high in such cases, it becomes unacceptable to the fans.
And grievously has Carlos Queiroz answered the massive call for his resignation.
At his post-match press conference, he made it clear that bowing out was the easiest decision but insisted that would not solve the myriad problems facing the Black Stars.
For the coach to be fired two days after that declaration raises a lot of concerns as he seem to be aware of existing problems the FA may even not know.
Unfortunately, coaches over the years have always been sacrificial lambs in situations of this nature but when he talks about particular problems affecting the team, his sack leaves much to be desired.
That aside, it is important to also take another look at the country’s pool of players, both local and foreign based.
Some of us have been advocates for forming the Black Stars around the ever-present local players who may lack the skill, finesse and flamboyance believed to give the foreign based players the edge over their local counterparts.
The locals, however, compensate that with their commitment and dedication.
Sadly, it appears this consistent call have fallen on deaf ears and no one wants to give any attention to that.
If the fear is that results would be poor, then that would be no excuse again following outcomes of the Stars in their last two games.
From what was witnessed in Bouake and Accra, one can confidently boast that there isn’t much difference between the foreign based players and the locals.
If there is any, it would probably be the treatment given to the two sets of players.
The call on the FA now is to give major consideration to the local players. Any coach that sees no good in the local players must have no business handling the national team.
That does not also shut the door on the ‘foreigners’. We witnessed how the early 90s teams were beautifully blended to have a formidable team.
It is time the FA goes back to the basics. With the locals, there can be more camps, leading to improved cohesion. Any foreign based player invited must settle into the team quickly and make a difference. That is the only way to rescue the Black Stars from its free fall.
By Andrew Nortey
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