Posted by All sporting activities in Ghana has been at a standstill since March 16 due to the ban on social gathering by the government to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Just last week, government granted approval for the Black Maidens (Women U17) and the Black Princesses (Women U20) to resume camping following an appeal by the leadership of the Ghana Football Association through the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
This was for the U17 side to prepare for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against arch-rivals Nigeria in October and November, while the U20 outfit similarly has an upcoming World Cup qualifying double-header against Guinea-Bissau.
But just days after camping began, it has been reported by the FA that seven players from the two teams have tested positive for Coronavirus after a mandatory test.
“We have 4 Black Maidens and 3 Black Princesses players who tested positive. We can’t mention their names because of stigmatization. There are plans in place. This was expected as we went to camp, so we will work hand in hand with the medical team”, Henry Twum Asante said in an interview.
The news is an albatross around the neck for football fans in the country as it is likely to delay the resumption of football in the country.
It could be seen as an example of how the disease could spread if football is allowed to resume despite the comprehensive education and training local footballers receive on how to avoid the disease.
However, the President of the nation, Nana Addo Dankwah Akuffo Addo has assured Ghanaians that football will be back soon.
“Everybody knows I love football and the suspension has also affected me but it will be back very soon.. I don’t want to do anything that will hurt Ghanaians. I believe in one step at a time so gradually football will be back”, Akufo-Addo told Sky FM in Takoradi.
The Ghana FA has proposed October as the new date for the start of the 2020/21 football season which is subject to approval by the government.
Ghana has so far recorded 43,094 Covid-19 cases, with 40,963 recoveries and 256 deaths.