1991 U17 World Cup-winning goalkeeper Ali Jarrah has made an appeal to President John Mahama, describing him as his last hope for state intervention after an injury ended his career at the age of 17.
On Tuesday, the former Hearts of Oak goalkeeper issued a distress call on Facebook, 32 years after a back injury left him paralysed for months.
Speaking to Joy Sports on Wednesday, the 49-year-old said he remains hopeful of receiving support.
“I’m not the type who comes out and says things on his own, no. I think when the time comes and the right authority comes, they know exactly what they must do to wipe a tear from someone’s face,” he said.
“I know the President of the nation, Your Excellency [John Mahama], is a good listener. I’m waiting for that day for me to see Your Excellency.”
Jarrah urged the state to honour living heroes and not wait until they pass before offering tributes.
“Do Ghanaians want something bad [to happen to me before they act]? If tomorrow I’m gone, I think the tributes which will be read will be full of hopes and glory and honour to what I’ve done for the nation.”
Clarifying confusion over when the injury occurred, Jarrah explained: “The unfortunate incident happened in my life in 1993 in the line of duty, while the Ghana national U17 played in the final [of the U17 World Cup], in which we were beaten by Nigeria. I came home, and I was paralysed.”
Asked if that was the last match he played, he added: “I came back to Ghana. I think I played a match [for Hearts of Oak] against Kotoko, and after the match, I felt a back pain, which—this back pain—resulted in paralysis.
“So, since then, I was flown through the nation to the UK to treat myself over there. After that, I came back to Ghana, and that’s it. No one cares.”
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