Malik Jabir, the former Black Meteors coach, is making a passionate plea to the government for the payment of his three-year salary arrears.
After being engaged in 2013 on a three-year contract with a monthly salary of $3,000, Jabir has only received compensation for the first three months under the leadership of former Ghana Football Association (GFA) President, Kwasi Nyantakyi.
In an interview with Graphic Sports, the 79-year-old coach expressed his frustration and disappointment over the non-payment of his salary and the lack of financial recognition despite leading the Black Meteors to victory in the 2013 tournament in Congo. Despite President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s directive to investigate and adequately compensate him, Jabir claims that this order has been disregarded. He estimates that he is owed around $100,000 and emphasizes the importance of receiving his due compensation while he is still alive, rather than posthumous tributes and donations.
Jabir recounted the poor treatment he received, including the lack of weekly allowances, bonuses, and even an official appointment letter outlining his conditions of service. His only proof of employment is the payment of his salary for the first three months.
Efforts to retrieve his unpaid money included a meeting with President Akufo-Addo, who instructed the Deputy Youth and Sports Minister to ensure that Jabir was paid. Despite current GFA President Kurt Okraku confirming that the necessary confirmation was sent to the ministry, Jabir’s attempts to follow up were met with delays and the unavailability of the minister, leading him to eventually cease his efforts.
“I even went to the President to inform him. At that time, the deputy minister was there, so he (Akufo-Addo) told him to go and see his boss (the minister) so they would go to GFA and verify. If it was the case, then they bring it back to him, and he will see what he can do,” Jabir said.
“After months of delay and persistent calls, the GFA President finally confirmed to me that he has sent the confirmation to the ministry. I went from Kumasi to Accra a few times to follow up, and each time I got there, they told me the minister was not there, so I got tired and stopped following up,” the former ASFA Yennenga coach added.
Jabir, who is also a one-time technical adviser of Kano Pillars, reflected on his time as a national team coach and highlighted his dedication and contributions without receiving any financial reward. He is hopeful that the government will fulfill its promise to investigate and adequately compensate him for his services to the Black Meteors.
