Despite spelling Lesotho, WC qualifier is overshadowed by 'presidential fiat'

Despite winning his first match in charge of the Black Stars as local manager by white-washing Lesotho by 7-0, Coach Kwasi Appiah's excellent start to his job has been overshadowed by events off the field of play. Thus Coach Appiah's Black Stars spelt seven-lettered Lesotho. There was sadly drama and disbelief as the game was suspended early in the second half because of a floodlight failure at the Baba Yara Sports stadium in the central city of Kumasi, Ghana on Friday June 1, 2012. The incident has been described variously including as a national disgrace in the 21st century. The match was suspended for nearly one and a half hour when the stadium lights went off forcing the match officials to halt play.

The game was stopped in the 54th minute with Ghana leading 4-0 through goals by Sulley Muntari, Jordan Ayew and a brace from Dominic Adiyiah. According to FIFA statistics, Ghana reached a century of goals in the FIFA World Cup qualifying with Dominic Adiyiah's first goal on the 24th minute. History loves Adiyiah Ghana's century man. This adds to the historic anecdotes to the young man’s career.He scooped a historic treble of FIFA U-20 World Cup Golden Ball, FIFA U-20 World Cup Golden Shoe and won gold as well. This was in addition to being named CAF Young Player of the Year in 2009, and also, Ghana Player of the year in 2010 by the Ghana FA.

That was where the excitement on the pitch ended.

The government communication machinery appears to be in a disarray over the course of action to take over the incident as two official sources engaged in competition of spinning. Currently there is confusion over the fate of the Ashanti Regional Director of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Alhaji Abdulai Kurah; as to whether he has been suspended or still at post.
Koku Anyidoho, spokesman for Ghana President John Atta Mills, says the president, who isn't at the game, is ''highly upset.''Anyidoho says ''this kind of thing is unacceptable'' and Anyidoho in a swift action told the media that Kurah had been suspended with immediate effect.  Anyidoho, said the dismissals will affect all those in line of duty at ECG and all those who have something do with the matter. He said "President Mills is upset and everybody who has a role to play in the matter will have their heads roll." 

There was however doubt as to whether the statement carries any weight especially where the ECG itself is pleading innocence as Anyidoho's overdrive is after the fact. First, a statement from the Energy Ministry quickly countered that claim hence confusion galore as government double speaks on the matter. Then the blame for the incident itself hangs in the balance as the ECG claims the fault should be placed squarely at the doorstep of the National Sports Council. PRO of the ECG, Erasmus Baidoo, said there was power supplied by the ECG and that it was a switch on the generator of the Sports Council that developed a fault resulting in the flood light going off. "There is no reason why there is no power in the stadium except that the generators of the Sports Council developed a problem," he said. According to Mr Baidoo, the stadium was running on the generators of the Sports Council and that ECG was only a backup. If flood lights went off, therefore, he noted, the ECG cannot be held accountable. His argument was confirmed by reporters at the stadium.

Characteristically, the NDC government does not appear to have a clue on the way forward.

When it was eventually restarted after delaying for over one hour, the Black Stars continue their mission by completing their straightforward win with three more goals from Jordan Ayew, Christian Atsu and Jerry Akaminko.

Ghana is hosting Lesotho in the first round of games in Africa's main World Cup qualifying competition. Recently crowned African champion Zambia and Sudan are the other countries in Group D.