Sports Minister Calls For Respect For Black Stars Drummer/Entertainer Joseph Langabel
Ghana�s Sports Minister Elvis Afriyie Ankrah has defended the inclusion of a drummer/entertainer in a 10-member supporting staff for the Black Stars at the 2014 World Cup.
Joseph Langabel, a professional painter is the man mandated to keep the Black Stars players motivated and entertained during major tournaments.
His humorous poems are always a great comic relief to both player and officials during assignments.
His role has however been brought into scrutiny after the Ghana FA signed an agreement with a firm to provide entertainment for the team during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Many believe Langabel�s inclusion is a waste of scarce resources as he has been captured in the breakdown of the approved $9.8m budget for Ghana�s campaign at the World Cup.
But Sports Minister Elvis Afriyie Akrah insists Langabel�s role is crucial for the team�s success in Brazil and therefore must not be compromised.
�People who do their work well need to be respected no matter how small it is,� the Sports Minister said at a press conference earlier in the week.
�Ask the players themselves how much they are motivated by the singing, dancing and drumming they engage in before matches.
�It should not be discounted. The drummer plays a very important role for the team�
Langabel provides other vital services to the Black Stars team apart from his core mandated of entertainment.