Sports Minister, Isaac Asiamah on Tuesday, 13th March 2018 took his turn at the ‘Meet the Press’ series to account for his stewardship since he assumed office a year ago.
The Minister among other things touched on the state of the ministry he oversees, the Ghana Premier League which has been held up by a legal battle between the Ghana Football Association and Accra Great Olympics and some infrastructure projects the ministry has embarked on.
Isaac Asiamah also announced a $32,000 prize package for the Black Queens for winning the 2018 WAFU Women’s championship and also made known plans by the ministry to move Ghana sports from its current state to the next level.
Below are highlights of the Minister’s address
We inherited GH¢51 million debt
Isaac Kwame Asiamah has revealed that he inherited a debt of GHC 51 million when he was appointed in February last year. He said, the accounts of the Ministry was in the red when he took over from his predecessor Nii Lantey Vanderpuije, who was the last sports minister under the eight-year tenure of the National Democratic Congress administration.
Black Queens to get $32k for winning WAFU Cup
Players and officials of the national female team, Black Queens will be given $32,000 for winning the 2018 WAFU Women’s Championship held in Ivory Coast., the minister said.
He also revealed that hosting the 2018 Women’s AFCON will cost the country US$8m dollars.
No 'mafia' at Sports Ministry
There has been a long-held assertion that there exist certain people at the sports ministry who scheme to cause the sacking of ministers, but a year after his appointment, Isaac Asiamah says he is yet to discover any mafia at the ministry.
“I am happy to report to you ladies and gentlemen, that I have found no mafia at the Ministry of Youth and Sports. Today as we speak, I have not encountered any mafia. I have a loyal and dedicated team, people who are committed to the cause of Ghana and have Ghana at heart. All that they need is a leader who would provide that sense of direction”, he said.
GFA must fix problems with Ghana Premier League
The start of the 2017/2018 Ghana Premier League season has been held up by a protracted legal tussle between Accra Great Olympics and the Ghana Football Association and the Minister is unhappy with the situation.
He has thus, instructed the GFA President, Kwesi Nyantakyi to as a matter of emergency fix the problems preventing the league from resuming.
“I told the GFA president [Kwesi Nyantakyi] that [he should continue doing] whatever it takes to resolve this issue. The GPL is an avenue for certain people in this country.
"Every time I go to the stadium, doughnut [is sold] and that is a means of income for somebody, and these petty things help our people. So [we must] make sure to resolve all the differences that we have to ensure the league starts well.
Government interested in building sports infrastructure
Having already cut sods for renovation works on the Accra Sports Stadium and Azumah Nelson Sports Complex, Isaac Asiamah spoke of the government’s commitment to sports infrastructure.
He intimidated that the government will continue to refurbish other sports facilities and also build sports complexes in the 10 regions.
Government is implementing Dzamefe Commission White Paper
The Dzamefe Commission was set up by the former government to investigate the circumstance that led to the debacle that befell Ghana in the 2014 World Cup.
4 years on, questions pertaining to the implementation of the commission’s work still remain, with some people alleging that the minister is unwilling to implement the recommendations because the GFA president who is his friend was incriminated by the report.
But Isaac Asiamah says his outfit is already executing the works of the commission.
“Per the White Paper, there are recommendations that were accepted fully, some were accepted with modifications and others were rejected outright. “What we are implementing are the ones that were accepted by the previous government, he stated.
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