I have found no mafia at the Ministry of Youth and Sports - Asiamah

The Minister of Youth and Sports, Isaac Kwame Asiamah says he is yet to discover the existence of a "mafia" at the ministry after over a year in office.

According to Mr Asiamah who took his turn at the Meet The Press series today (March 13, 2018) in Accra, he has only met staff willing to advance the cause of sports development at the Ministry of Youth and Sports (MOYS).

He said he has received maximum support from all his staff and their conduct has left him very proud.

"The so-called mafia I had heard of a long time, the so-called mafia Ghanaians have been told about, that exist at the Ministry of Youth and Sports. I am happy to report to you... that I have found no mafia at the Ministry of Youth and Sports," Asiamah stated.

"What I have found is a team of dedicated and loyal workers and volunteers who needed the right kind of leadership and a clear direction to deliver on their mandate.

"These are Ghanaians, capable brains, creative minds who needed the right kind of leadership and a clear to deliver on their mandate, so I am proud of my staff at the Ministry of Youth and Sports and agencies".

Background

The high attrition rate of Ministers at the MOYS has led to allegations of the existence of a mafia which scheme to cause the sacking of ministers within short spells.

The allegations are premised on the fact that, nine different personalities have occupied the top job in Ghana sports since February 2009.

They include; Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, Rashid Pelpuo, Akua Sena Dansua, Clement Kofi Humado, Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, Mahama Ayariga, Dr Mustapha Ahmed and Nii Lantey Vanderpuye.

Timeline of Sports Ministers since 2009;

Minister unhappy with Premier League delay

Mr Asiamah also expressed his dissatisfaction with the delay in the start of the 2017/18 Ghana Premier League (GPL) due to the ongoing legal tussle between Accra Great Olympics and the Ghana Football Association (GFA).

“I’m not happy at all, I must be honest with you and I told the GFA president that whatever it takes to resolve this issue they should continue. The GPL is an avenue for certain people in this country.

"Every time I go to the stadium, my doughnut will be bought and that is a means of income for somebody and these petty things help our people. So make sure you resolve all the differences that we have to ensure the league starts well.”

Olympics suffered relegation from the Ghana Premier League last season but have secured an interlocutory injunction on the start of the 2017/18 season.

The injunction has brought a halt to the start of the various leagues of the GFA.