Ghana’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, recently addressed claims about his tenure during a sitting of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Sports, Culture, and Tourism.
Ussif has faced criticism following the Black Stars’ disappointing performances in the 2021 and 2023 AFCON tournaments and the CAF ban of the Baba Yara Stadium due to poor pitch conditions.
The meeting covered various sports-related topics, including a review of Ghana’s $3 million spending during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where the Black Stars were knocked out in the group stage.
Here are the eleven key points from Mustapha Ussif’s meeting with the Parliamentary Select Committee on Sports on September 24, 2024:
• Refuting Claims: Mustapha Ussif denied allegations that he is the worst sports minister ever. He argued that any assessment of his performance should be based on verifiable data, challenging critics to present the metrics used to support their accusations
• FIFA Standard Pitches: He revealed that Ghana has FIFA-standard pitches in Accra, Cape Coast, and Kumasi, contradicting claims by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
• CAF’s Ban: Ussif addressed CAF’s recent ban on the Baba Yara Stadium due to non-compliance with required standards.
• Request for Inspection: The Ghana Football Association (GFA) requested CAF to inspect the Accra Sports Stadium and Cape Coast Sports Stadium, but CAF has yet to respond.
• Sports Development: Ussif emphasized the need for constructive dialogue about the state of sports in the country.
The Ministry has engaged all stakeholders to develop a sports policy, with inputs from the National Development Planning Commission.
• Pitch Renovation: The Essipong stadium and other venues are being renovated and will be completed soon.
• Minister’s Commitment: Despite criticism, Ussif remains committed to promoting sports development in Ghana.
World Cup Prize Money: In 2022, a portion of the prize money (about $5 million) was used by the government to finance participation in AFCON, and $2.8 million was allocated to the FA to improve facilities and build a hotel at Prampram.
• No interference in Coach Appointment: “I played no part in Otto Addo’s appointment as Black Stars coach. When it comes to national team appointments, it is the role of GFA”-Mustapha revealed.
• Support for Coaches: “If I had my way, we would give our coaches more time. If you look at Senegal, their coach has been there for six years”-said the Minister.
• NSA’s Failure: “Of course, the NSA failed in its duty by renting the Baba Yara Stadium for the [church] program weeks before the Angola match”-said Ussif.
Four months ago, the leadership of the Ghana Football Association congratulated Youth and Sports Minister Hon. Mustapha Ussif, for his recognition as the Best Sports Minister at the inaugural Africa Sports and Tourism Awards.
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Story by Asack Pius|univers.ug.edu.gh
