Ali Jarrah appeals to President Mahama for help, says donâ??t wait for my death to pay tributes

Former Ghana U17 World Cup-winning goalkeeper Ali Jarrah has made an emotional appeal to former President John Mahama, describing him as his last hope for state assistance, three decades after an injury ended his football career at just 17.Jarrah, who was part of Ghanas victorious squad at the 1991 FIFA U17 World Cup, took to Facebook on Tuesday to issue a distress call, recounting the back injury that left him paralysed for months after the 1993 tournament in Japan.Now 49, the former Hearts of Oak shot-stopper told Joy Sports on Wednesday that he is holding onto hope that support will eventually come.Im not the type who comes out and says things on his own, no. I think when the time comes and the right authority comes, they know exactly what they must do to wipe a tear from someones face, he said.I know the President of the nation, Your Excellency [John Mahama], is a good listener. Im waiting for that day for me to see Your Excellency.Jarrah also called on the nation to recognise and support its heroes while they are alive.Do Ghanaians want something bad [to happen to me before they act]? I am a Muslim. I'm not afraid of death, because every Muslim knows there is death.If tomorrow I'm gone, I think the tributes which will be read will be full of hopes, glory, and honour for what I've done for the nation. Read Full Story