Former Ghana U17 goalkeeper Ali Jarrah has appealed to former President John Mahama for help, describing him as his “last hope” three decades after an injury ended his football career at just 17.
Jarrah, who was part of Ghana’s 1991 FIFA U17 World Cup-winning squad, suffered a spinal injury after the 1993 tournament in Japan and was left paralysed for months.
Now 49, the ex-Hearts of Oak shot-stopper said in an interview with Joy Sports that he still hopes for state support.
“I know the President of the nation, Your Excellency [John Mahama], is a good listener. I’m waiting for that day to see him,” he said.
In a Facebook post on Tuesday, Jarrah shared his struggles and urged Ghanaians to honour their heroes while they are alive.
“Do Ghanaians want something bad to happen to me before they act? If I’m gone tomorrow, the tributes will be full of hopes and glory for what I’ve done for the nation,” he added.
Jarrah’s heartfelt call has sparked conversations about athlete welfare and the need for lasting support systems for national sports heroes.
