Politics and Football⚽

They say we should not mix politics with football. But are the two mutually exclusive? Can they ever be? For politics and football have so much in common that it would wrong on anyone's part to ignore the obvious. Football, in my opinion, is a reflection of politics and perhaps vice versa. In politics, there are always two sides - the winner and the loser. Same with football. In politics, supporters passionately support these two sides; just like in football. In politics, there is a referee; again just like in football. I can go on and on but there is no need for that.

So why am I writing this? Well, all is not

well in Ghana, politically, in that the legitimacy of the president is being disputed. The basis of the dispute is largely due to the fact that the referee in the political contest aka the Electoral Commissioner conducted himself in a manner contrary to the rules and customs of the game.

Ghana then advanced to the semi finals of the African Cup of Nations with the intention of progressing to the finals. Then the political state of affairs in the country showed up. I may be heavily criticised for this but this is just my opinion and like roses, you are entitled to one. You call it mere coincidence but I choose to borrow the "president's" phrase, it was an "Act of God."

In Ghana's game against Burkina Faso, the referee offered Ghana the lead on a silver platter. He gave a penalty when it was obvious that what he had awarded was not a penalty. As if that was not enough, when Burkina Faso equalised, and scored another goal to enable them win the game outright, the referee declined their goal. How bad can it get? Burkina Faso's striker was shown a red card and asked to leave the game. This sparked a lot of discussion and bad mouthing against Ghana on social media. But the gods, as we say in Africa, listened and Burkina Faso went on to eliminate Ghana through penalties.

This morning as I drove to work, BBC discussed last night's games described the refereeing of the game as shameful and emphasised the point that the referee had done all he could to ensure Ghana won the match but against all odds, justice prevailed. Epiphany moment right there. Link it to why Nana Akufo-Addo and others are crying foul. Justice prevailed after 120+ minutes and justice will prevail in the Election Petition before the Supreme Court of Ghana.