GhanaWeb Feature by Benjamin Sackey

President-elect John Dramani Mahama is putting measures in place to announce the ministers who will form his government after the inauguration on January 7, 2025.

The Minister of Youth and Sports role has become one of the most-anticipated appointments due to the integral role of sports in national cohesion and development.

Some personalities who are rumoured to be under consideration for the job include Herbert Mensah, Randy Abbey, Nii Lante Vanderpuye, Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, Samson Deen and Ben Nunoo Mensah.

This GhanaWeb feature throws light on the profiles of these personalities.

Randy Abbey

Dr Ransford Annetey Abbey, also known as Randy Abbey, is a Ghanaian media personality and sports administrator.

He is the host of Metro TV's morning show, Good Morning Ghana.

Abbey served as the spokesperson of the Ghana Football Association for eight years. In 2014, he became majority shareholder of Kpando Hearts of Lions Football Club, owning over 70% of the shares.

In 2019, Abbey was voted a member of the Ghana Football Association Executive Committee.

He has also chaired the Referees Appointment Committee and the Black Meteors Management Committee.

Herbert Mensah

Herbert Amponsah Mensah is a Ghanaian businessman, sports administrator, and the president of Rugby Africa.

He entered the business world while still a student and gained business experience in Zimbabwe, among other places, in the tobacco industry.

His entrepreneurship led to his pursuit of success in the telecommunications industry.

He is a member of the World Rugby Executive Board.

He is a former CEO of Asante Kotoko and is often referenced as the best leader the club has had in the 21st century.

Kobe Woyome

Wisdom Kobena Woyome is the Member of Parliament for South Tongu Constituency.

He has served on various committees, including the Youth, Sports, and Culture Committee.

Nii Lante Vanderpuye

Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye, born on June 11, 1965, is a politician and the Member of Parliament for the Odododiodoo constituency.

In March 2013, he was appointed as Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry under the John Mahama government. He served in that role until 2014 when he was moved to serve as Deputy Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, where he served until 2015.

After a ministerial reshuffle in 2015, Vanderpuye was named by John Dramani Mahama as Minister of Youth and Sports to replace Dr. Mustapha Ahmed.

Elvis Afriyie Ankrah

Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, born on January 6, 1967, is a Ghanaian politician.

In February 2013, he was appointed Minister for Youth and Sports by Mahama.

In July 2014, he became a Minister of State at the Office of the President, a position following a cabinet reshuffle by President Mahama.

Ben Nunoo Mensah

Ben Nunoo Mensah is the President of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) from 2017 to date, 2024.

His contributions to sports have been immense, being a key stakeholder on national issues.

Samson Deen

Samson Deen is the President of the African Paralympic Committee (AFPC).

Deen has extensive experience in sports management and administration. His impressive track record in promoting sports development and inclusivity in Africa makes him an attractive candidate to revitalize Ghana’s sports landscape.

Under his guidance, the first-ever African Para Games were organized in Accra, and he played a key role in the successful delivery of the 2023 African Games as Head of Transport.

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