It appears Sports Minister Isaac Asiamah did his already dented image no good with his 2019 AFCON budget presentation on Wednesday.
The Sports Minister has come under attacks for using the tax payers’ money to airlift supporters, most of whom are believed to be party foot soldiers.
In line with parliamentary principles, Isaac Asiamah who has surprisingly been quiet since the botched AFCON campaign appeared before the house today, to render account on how much was expended at the tournament.
The Minister disclosed that US$6,365,033.84 was budgeted for the tournament with a colossal amount of US$4, 564, 352.00 being spent on the training tour up until the team exited the AFCON at the round of 16 stage.
The Minister in breaking down the expenditure, revealed that a staggering $1,489,432 million was spent on winning bonuses despite the country winning only one game.
Isaac Asiamah also denied allegations that the government sponsored supporters to embark on excursion in Egypt, stating that the tour was organized by CAF and FIFA.
Some Ghanaians have expressed shock and disbelief at the figures quoted by the minister, questioning why someone who in opposition became a crusader for the protection of the public purse would supervise such ‘wastage’ of the Ghanaian’s money.
Former Okwahu United coach and sports pundit Nana Agyemang explicitly denied claims by the minister that CAF organized excursions for the supporters.
Below are comments from some Ghanaians
Hon. Isaac Asiamah think Ghanaians are fools. We are quite because of the the respect we have for him, he would face our wrath. Am disappointed him as a minester pic.twitter.com/WBvSChyA0J
— Nana Osei Kofi Oduro (@NanaOseiKofiOd1) July 24, 2019
Despite Ghana winning only one game at the #AFCON2019 , the
— ?TOR???? (@Kol_Mi_Tor) July 24, 2019
team pocketed a bonus of over 1.3million US Dollars. This is
according to Sports Minister Isaac Asiamah. pic.twitter.com/7TDLPM84Fg
CAF has denied organising any excursions for the Ghana Black Star supporters, contrary to the statement issued by Hon Isaac Asiamah given to Parliament today. pic.twitter.com/15m2sU4fJo
— Nana Kwaku Agyemang (@kwasinom) July 24, 2019
Fano s3 wagyimi kakraa and just believe what Isaac Asiamah is saying. ..it will save you a heartache
— Ras #nIMa (@erasmusYTL) July 24, 2019
Isaac Asiamah was actually doing good as a sports minister until the AFCON, cos that be where the money dey. Now he's lying through his teeth.
— ????? (@Vil8geboi) July 24, 2019
Another lies Hon Isaac Asiamah told us is the visa fee of $ 8,541.00. what i know is Ghanaians have visa free to Egypt so who did Hon. Asiamah paid the money to?. #prosecutethesportsminister pic.twitter.com/eXL13G8PDE
— Nana Osei Kofi Oduro (@NanaOseiKofiOd1) July 24, 2019
we need a national day of prayer, we are not making sense in this country, "Isaac Asiamah" you're a disgrace to Ghana. U suck...
— Karikari Dankwah (@DankwahB) July 24, 2019
#makeam #Blackstars
— ???????????????????????? ???????????????????? ???????????????????? (@Rhemic_SaleGH) July 24, 2019
Isaac Asiamah throwing sand on our eyes like ????.
No leader in Ghana is truthful. Guys what, all thiz coming decendant will be same. Offspring
Lemme sell my thing kraa Ghana fo)
Call or whatsapp 0244808384 pic.twitter.com/4iTDnUsFIX
Please, let's all clap for Isaac Asiamah. He needs to be given a ????
— Ishmael_TheMC (@BoateyIshmael) July 24, 2019