Mallam Isa Faces Uphill Task

There have been lots of criticisms about the capabilities and competence of the Minister of Youth and Sports designate, Mallam Ali Yusif Isa, before and after his much publicized vetting last week.

Many sports fans were terribly disappointed after the Mallam failed to outline a new policy he would implement as a Sports Minister. Many were also disappointed about his intention to rely on technocrats to run the ministry. While the Appointments Committee is yet to confirm him, some Sports fans have already come out with their verdict. The man can't do the job.

During the vetting Mallam exhibited his incompetence and inexperience about how to run a sports ministry. He also explicitly made it clear to the general public that he does not know too much when it comes to sports administration but he said, 'I am a good listener and Iam prepared to learn, consult and act upon good advice.'

Below are some reactions on whether Mallam Isa is the right man to head the youth and sports ministry.

Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, a sports presenter at Joy Fm, was very much disappointed that The Appointment Committee failed to ask burning questions pertaining to youth development.

'The Committee,' he said, 'did not take the Youth and Sports Ministry seriously because they did not ask any question about the youth.'

He was also disappointed that they failed to ask questions about the stadium probe and Justice Gbadegbe transfer probe. 'The questions were very shallow and in fact I was disappointed. His answers were not direct and it looks as if he is inexperienced. So they have to find an experienced deputy other wise he would only go there and be consulting, we do not have much time.'

He adds: 'we need somebody who has got a plan, vision to start working out when given the nod.'

Veitrus, a resident of Tesano shares a different opinion.

'You can not say somebody is not doing well if he is not given the post. Let us wait till he is approved before we start to lambaste him. To me the Honorable Minister excelled before the Committee.'

Godwin of Harvest Chapel International says it's risky for the Mallam to be given the task to manage sports for the next four years. 'Choosing ministers is not easy, when you compare someone like Akuffo Addo and the Osafo Marfos and the Sports Minister they do not match, but they are all Ministers. One problem with Mallam Isa is that he is not articulate. When you take him vis-a-vis other Ministers he is not all that good. Well maybe sports is different from managing the economy and other things but I suppose if given the chance he can do well. The people have spoken but the final verdict or decision lies with the Appointments Committee which would present its report to the house some time this week.