Sports Management Professional, Neil Armstrong-Mortagbe, has explained there is a case to be made for spending a lot more on football as against other sports disciplines in Ghana.
He shared that although the country may be engaged in numerous sports disciplines, one has a comparative advantage over the others, hence, the expenditure on football being a lot higher.
“We engage in a lot of sporting activities but there are some that we have comparative advantage over. Comparative advantage is key and football is one of Ghana’s sources of comparative advantage and that is why we spend most on that. It is not that the other disciplines do not deserve resources, but we need to look at it and determine the field of comparative advantage,” he submitted.
Speaking at the maiden e-Sports organized by e.tv Ghana on the topic; “Financing the National Team; The Bonus and Appearance Fee Structure and its Sustainability,” Neil Armstrong charged Ghana and sporting authorities to discover more sources of sporting comparative advantage and invest in them.
“In every world competition involving sprint, you are bound to find Jamaica in there. When you come to cricket you will see India and Pakistan there as well as that is their source of comparative advantage,” he cited.
The marketing and brands consultant suggested the Black Stars of Ghana is used as a cash cow to support other sporting disciplines. “The sporting fraternity is one whole and we need to use football to support the other disciplines. Ghana has to be strategic and deliberate in investing in our sports.”
The maiden e-Sports Summit is a thought leadership dialogue that brought together industry experts, stakeholders, civil society groups to discuss the topic: “Financing the National Team; The Bonus and Appearance Fee Structure and its Sustainability.”
Panelists included Fred Pappoe, Moses Foh-Amoaning and ex-Black Stars player Agyemang-Badu who shared useful perspectives to influence national policy on the subject.
Also present were a cross section of sports policy influencers; including the Ghana Supporters Union, celebrated Sports journalists, and a hosts of others.
The event which was a fusion of entertainment and knowledge sharing was moderated by host of Happy Sports and Head of Sports for e.TV Ghana Ohene Bampoe Brenya, was held at the Accra City Hotel.
The event was emceed by Raymond Nyamador host of eSports Live on e.tv Ghana and Co-host of Happy Morning Show.
By: Joel Sanco
