Aliu meets officials of sports ministry

Vice President Aliu Mahama on Tuesday warned officials of the Ministry of Youth and Sports not to engage in irregular administrative practices that will attract public criticisms and controversy.

Alhaji Mahama was speaking at a first meeting with officials of the ministry after a brief tour. He assumed oversight responsibility following the sacking of the Minister, Mallam Yusif Isa over the loss of 46,000 dollars meant as winning bonus for the Back Stars.


He also met with members of the Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Youth and Sports where he stressed the need for teamwork and proper co-ordination of activities at the ministry.


"You must ensure proper planning, so that you do not run into trouble," he told the meeting which was attended by Mr Enoch Teye Mensah, former Minister of Youth and Sports and now NDC shadow minister of the Ministry and Mr Joe Aggrey, Deputy Youth and Sports Minister-designate.


Mr Dan Piime, Chief Director of the ministry and Brigadier George Brock, Acting Chief Executive of the National Sports Council also attended the meeting.


The Vice-President said he was reliably informed that the National under-20 team, the Black Satellites currently participating in the African Youth Championship in Ethiopia, have not been paid any allowance, saying this does not augur well for the development of sports in the country.


Meanwhile, the Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama has called on the committee set up to probe the accounts of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to expedite action on resolving all their outstanding issues to enable the government nominate it appointees to the GFA.

He noted that the local league and other very important matters concerning the running of football were being delayed due to the absence of a full GFA management board.


The Vice-President made the call at a meeting with members of the GFA at his office at the State House on Tuesday for his briefing on arrangements and preparations towards Sunday's Cup of Nations qualifying match between the Black Stars and the National Team of Congo DR.


The commencement of the national premier league and Accra Hearts of Oak's African Cup campaign were also discussed.


In respect of the national teams, it was agreed that it was necessary for early and proper planning towards national assignments and to attach importance to the provision of adequate incentives for the players.


Mr Owusu Ansah, Vice Chairman of the GFA, disclosed that the FA is yet to receive notification of the arrival of the Congolese team but said the match officials are however expected on Friday.


On the local scene, Mr Owusu Ansah said barring any unforeseen circumstances the National Football Gala will kickoff on 8th April and the National Premier League on the 15th April 2001.