Former Black Meteors coach Malik Jabir has made a heartfelt appeal to the government for the payment of his three-year salary arrears.
Engaged in 2013 on a three-year contract with a monthly salary of $3,000, the former Asante Kotoko coach was only compensated for the first three months during the tenure of former Ghana Football Association (GFA) President, Kwasi Nyantakyi.
In an interview with Graphic Sports, the 79-year-old coach expressed frustration and disappointment over the non-payment of his salary and the lack of financial recognition after 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 this order has been ignored. He estimates he is owed around $100,000 and emphasized the importance of receiving his due compensation while he is still alive, rather than posthumous tributes and donations.
Jabir recounted his poor treatment, 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 Jabir was paid. According to Jabir, despite current GFA President Kurt Okraku confirming that the necessary confirmation was sent to the ministry, his attempts to follow up were met with delays and 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.
A one-time technical adviser of Kano Pillars, Jabir also reflected on his unlucky tenure as a national team coach and highlighted his dedication and contributions without financial reward.