Other Sports of Monday, 9 August 2010

Source: Wisdom Asiedu

Power struggle at the National Sports Council

(By: Wisdom Asiedu)

Mills Men At Warpath?

An intriguing power struggle is rapidly intensifying at the National Sports Council (NSC) between the acting Chief Executive, Mr. Wolanyo Agra and his board chairman, Mr. Kojo Bonsu.

The two parties are currently on war path, as both have accused each other of interference and abuse of power, coupled with connections with the recent supporters groups’ brouhaha at the just-ended World Cup Championship in South Africa.

What is fuelling the two parties’ feud is the acting CEO’s remarks that it was the Board chairman who struck out the names of NSC key officials from the South Africa 2010 World Cup trip prior to the tournament, although the Ministry of Youth & Sports had okayed the said bounced officials trip.

Mr. Bonsu who has refuted the noted allegations is being pursued by Mr. Agra to confirm him as the NSC CEO, though he has crossed the retirement civil service age (60 years), a situation which barred him from going through the laid down civil service interview procedure, coupled with the fact that there is an existing substantive CEO.

The feuding parties are interestingly taunting each other and are enjoying the power-play since they are both close to President John Evans Atta Mills, a condition which makes it difficult for any Minister to bring them to order.

It would be recalled that the NSC staff ardently resolved and asked the powers that be to kick Mr. Bonsu from an office he has pitched camp at the Ohene Djan Sports Stadium, and further relieve him of his post, following the outburst of Mr. Agra that it was the Board chairman who denied key NSC officials the opportunity to observe the 2010 World Cup.

The staff relentlessly express their anger and disapproval of the Board chairman’s decision to seize office at the Council premises at the Ohene Djan Sports Stadium.