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 Ghana's 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. "I'm 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 someone's face," he said. "I know the President of the nation, Your Excellency [John Mahama], is a good listener.