Under-fire Minister of Youth and Sports Mustapha Ussif defends tenure amidst criticism

During a recent session with the Parliamentary Select Committee on Sports, Culture, and Tourism, Minister of Youth and Sports Mustapha Ussif vehemently rejected claims labeling him as the "worst Sports Minister."

The meeting, chaired by Wisdom Kobena Woyome, focused on various sports-related matters, including the examination of Ghana’s $3 million expenditure during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where the Black Stars were eliminated in the group stage.

Ussif has faced significant backlash following the Black Stars’ disappointing performances in both the 2021 and 2023 AFCON tournaments, as well as the recent ban of the Baba Yara Stadium by CAF due to poor pitch conditions.

In response to the criticisms, Ussif stated, “I intend to disagree with your statement that I am the worst as a Minister.

In terms of numbers, I don't know which numbers you're referring to, so you should be able to tell me what data you are using to determine that during my time, it is the worst.”

Despite Ghana’s failure to progress beyond the group stage in the last two AFCONs, Ussif defended his record and emphasized the need for constructive dialogue about the state of sports in the country.