The Minister of Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, addressed various claims about his tenure during an appearance at a sitting of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Sports.

He refuted allegations that he is the worst sports minister, challenging critics to provide evidence to support their claims.

Ussif criticised the National Sports Authority (NSA) for renting out the Baba Yara Sports Stadium for a church event shortly before a Black Stars match.

He also clarified that he had no involvement in appointing Otto Addo as the Black Stars coach, as such decisions are made by the Ghana Football Association (GFA).

Here are the seven key points from Mustapha Ussif’s meeting with the Parliamentary Select Committee on Sports on September 24, 2024:

1. Refuting Claims: I disagree with the claim that I am the worst sports minister based on the numbers. I don't know which numbers you are referring to. So, you should be able to produce data to show that during my time it is the worst. I want to see that.

2. FIFA Standard Pitches: Ghana has FIFA standard pitches, including two in Accra (Legon and the Accra stadia), Baba Yara, and Cape Coast stadia. The Essipong stadium is also being renovated and will be completed soon.

3. No Role in Coach Appointment: I had no role in Otto Addo’s appointment as Black Stars coach. When it comes to national team appointments, it is the role of GFA.

4. 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.

5. NSA's Failure: Of course, the NSA failed in its duty by its singular decision to rent the Baba Yara Stadium for the [church] program just before the Angola match.

6. Sports Policy Development: The Ministry has engaged all stakeholders to develop a sports policy, with inputs from the National Development Planning Commission. The policy is in its final stage and will be launched soon.

7. World Cup Prize Money: In 2022, a portion of the World Cup 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.

SB/EK