Ghana set for football retirees pension fundBy XINHUA | Friday, May 4  2012 at  14:09

The Ghana Football Association GFA on Thursday appointed a three-man committee to oversee the process of setting up a pension fund to support retired Ghanaian footballers.

The GFA, which said it was poised to help former footballers struggling to make ends meet since retiring from the game, indicated that the committee, which will be led by FA president Kwesi Nyantakyi, would set up the modalities for establishing the fund.

Several ex-players are in dire difficulties, with many struggling with insufficient funds on a daily basis. Soccer fans and administrators have over the years expressed grave concern about the way Ghana has treated its retired footballers after dutifully giving of their best by winning laurels for the nation and putting it into the international limelight.

Most of the country's former players, especially those who won the Confederation of African Football (CAF), African Cup of Nations (1963, 1965, 1978 and 1982), are living in deplorable conditions and are on the verge of death because they have been abandoned by the nation.

"We need to ensure that the sacrifices of such wonderful men who have served the country and their clubs with honour and dedication are always appreciated,"

Nyantakyi said recently when he visited Shitu Mouda, a former player of the Black Stars, who has gone blind.

The GFA is expected to provide the seed money for setting up the fund for the ex-players and contributions would be sought from companies, well-wishers and the public. (Xinhua)