African Origin demanding $108,000 from Sports Ministry for services renderred at 2014 Word Cup

Published on: 05 September 2014
African Origin demanding $108,000 from Sports Ministry for services renderred at 2014 Word Cup
Chief Executive Officer of African Origin Samson Deen

African Origin Travel and Sports Tourism are making a claim of $108,000 on the Ministry of Youth and Sports for services rendered for the 2014 World Cup.

The renowned travel and tour firm was one of three mandated by the Ministry to airlift Ghanaian fans to Brazil to go support the Black Stars.

The Ministry’s grand project in taking fans to Brazil, accommodating and feeding them, providing internal transportation to go see the matches was fraught with problems leading to the setting up of a Presidential Commission to look into its organization.

Chief Executive Officer of African Origin Travel and Sports Tourism in giving his account to the commission says he is owed $108,000 for his allocation of rendering services to 270 Ghanaian fans.

“Samson Deen, the CEO, had told the commission earlier that his agency had been allocated 270 supporters to airlift to Brazil,” a statement tendered on behalf of the African Origin’s boss to the commission read.

“The allocation was done by MOYS. Per his testimony, Deen says the amount represents a $400 profit margin on each of the 270 supporters.

“The CEO complained throughout his appearance about the conduct of MOYS, insisting that there had been “many inconsistencies” on Brazil 2014 secretariat.”

The Sports Ministry refused to append their signature on several contracts offered them by the travel and tour agency.

This feature, which runs through most of the commission hearings prompted yet another advice from the chair of the commission Justice Senyo Dzamefe.

“I know you do business based on trust,” Justice Dzamefe said, going on: “But Mr. Deen, at this level we deal with what is written.

“I beg of you, like I’ve told others, please make sure everything is on paper next time. And I mean every little detail.”

The CEO of African Origin also denied being asked by the Sports Ministry to pre-finance their events and recalled no official correspondence to this effect.

He is also demanding an additional GHS 59, 722.74 as the cost of tickets purchased for his 270 fans allocation at 275.22 GHS per head.

Samson Deen also revealed advicing the 2014 World Cu planning committee to abandon their plans for the World Cup as it was only fit for Olympic Games.

“We met initially – me and Fred Darko [the head of the Planning Committee] at Baatsonaa Filling Station – and I told them their plans were fit for Olympic Games that had a hosting city but the World Cup are for host cities and even Brazil, the host nation could not organize such fan parks but it is a project done by FIFA and it's sponsors,” he added.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.
Learn more