Life on hold as 21-year-old Ghanaian footballer Alogbordzi urgently needs GHghs40,000 for life saving surgery

A 21-year-old footballer Mersharck Atsu Alogbordzi who has been bedridden since 2019 urgently needs about GH¢40,000 for life-saving surgery.

The young footballer is currently battling for his life at the 37 Military Hospital for some spinal injuries he sustained after his playmates in Afienya subjected him to severe beetings in an altercation during a friendly football game. Mersharck who was not even playing on the day went in to separate the two opposing teams who had engaged in a fight over a disallowed goal.

Mersharck became a victim and has since remained paralysed after his head was partially crushed to a concrete pillar.

Following the incident, Mersharck was first referred to the 37 Military Hospital on 27 July 2019 where he was diagnosed with multiple fractures on his spine that required urgent surgery.

However, Mersharck’s mother, Vicentia said her son was surprisingly discharged from the Trauma Surgical Unit of the 37 Military Hospital few weeks later after the diagnosis because she was unable to raise the GHC 40,000 cedis required at the time for the much-needed surgery.

“After the doctors at the 37 Military Hospital run scans on him, they told me he had multiple fractures in his spines that required urgent surgery. They told me the whole surgery would cost some GHC 40, 000. I became alarmed. I could not raise the said amount so they asked us to come home unattended to.”

Since his discharge in 2019, Mersharck has remained bound to his bed. He cannot move because apart from his fractured spines, Mersharck reportedly developed huge bedsore on his buttocks during his brief stay at the 37 Military Hospital due to palpable neglect by nurses. His mother, Vicentia; a former chop bar operator says her son’s situation is fast deteriorating. His dream of ever playing for the Black Stars is gradually fading.

“My son did not have any sores on his buttocks when we first rushed him to the 37 Military Hospital. He developed these sores while on admission there in 2019. The nurses on duty at the time didn’t take care of him. Mersharck could not do anything for himself because he couldn’t move. So instead of the nurses turning and changing his diapers regularly, they ignored, which has led to these huge sores you’re seeing.”

Vicentia Agbanavor further tells MX24NEWS that though the issue was reported to the Afienya Police and the suspect subsequently arrested and arrainged before a district court, nothing came out of the case.

“To our surprise, the court refered this issue, which is clearly a criminal case to Alternative Dispute Resolution ADR for us to resolve. At the ADR, the suspect’s family was asked to make a monthly financial contribution towards the medical bills of my son. But ever since, not even a penny was paid to us. Regrettably, my numerous follow-ups to the court haven’t yielded any results.”

When contacted by MX24NEWS, Mahmoud Razak who has been charged with causing harm to Mersharck by a district court contrary to section 69 of the Criminal offences Act 29 affirmed that he was yet to make any payments to the victim almost three years as directed by the court.

“Indeed, since the court order, I have not been able to make any payment to the victim nor his family.”

As we speak, the family has also been thrown out of their rented apartment because they can no longer afford rent. They are now appealing to the general public and corporate organizations for immediate assistance.

“We need help. My son is dying and we have also been thrown out of our rented apartment. Life has become unbearable for us. If only anyone could come to our aid, we’ll be very grateful.”

Meanwhile, MX24NEWS‘ correspondence with authorities at the 37 military hospital reveals Mershack will need about GHC 40,000 to immediately undergo plastic surgery and physiotherapy. Though plastic surgeons at the hospital are ready to attend to Mersharck at the earliest call, funds needed for his treatment remained a challenge.

To donate towards Mersharck’s medical treatment at the 37 Military Hospital, kindly send your donations directly to Mersharck Alogbordzi Atsu’s mobile money account 0551713496.

Watch the full documentary below:

https://fb.watch/by2LaSnD0t/

Story by Carlos Lorlornyo Atsu Calony