Deputy Sports Minister, Pius Hadzide on Sports Check

Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports Pius Enam Hadzide takes his turn on Sports Check with GhanaWeb Sports editor, Daniel Oduro

In the heat of the visa scandal that marred Ghana’s participation at the 2018 Commonwealth Games held in Australia, the President, Nana Akufo-Addo suspended him and the board chairman of the NSA for their roles in the scandal. In this interview, the reinstated minister opens up extensively on how he received news of his suspension and how it feels to be cleared of any wrong-doing.

Pius Hadzide also fails to accept responsibility for the scandal despite being the head of the International Games Committee charged with ensuring that Ghana had a successful tournament. He defends his argument by highlighting the duties of the committee.

It has emerged that the letter that triggered his suspension was from his boss, the Minister of Youth and Sports, Isaac Asiamah and that has raised questions about the relationship between the two men. Pius Hadzide has however debunked those allegations, re-affirming his commitment and loyalty to his boss and the President who appointed him.

The Deputy Minister also talks about Anas Aremeyaw Anas’ Number 12 documentary and the government’s decision to dissolve the Ghana Football Association. He describes Ghana football under Kwesi Nyantakyi as ‘problematic’, revealing a plan by the Ministry to investigate the Ghana Premier League before Anas’ expose.

Other issues discussed in this interview include, his political ambitions, adapting to challenges in the sports sector, his alleged strained relationship with GOC President Ben Nunoo-Mensah and taking over a ministry that was ‘broke’.