Share

Ghana reassign ministers

Accra - Ghana's sports minister and his deputy were reassigned to other ministerial duties on Saturday following the Black Stars disastrous performance at the World Cup, which saw two key players suspended and the team fail to qualify for the second round.

A statement from President John Dramani Mahama's office said that Minister of Youth and Sports Elvis Afriyie-Ankrah would become a junior minister at the presidency.

Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports Joseph Yammin has been reassigned to be a deputy minister in the Ashanti Region.

The statement said the moves were "part of ongoing changes in (Mahama's) administration."

Despite high hopes in Ghana and a talented squad including AC Milan's Michael Essien and Al Ain's Asamoah Gyan, the Black Stars failed to advance beyond the group stage after losing to the United States and Portugal and an honourable draw with eventual group winners Germany.

The matches were overshadowed by drama off the pitch.

Earlier this week, Britain's Daily Telegraph newspaper published allegations that Ghana Football Association president Kwesi Nyantakyi had agreed to a match-fixing contract. The GFA asked Ghana's police to investigate the reports.

Days later, Yammin said the government had chartered a private jet to fly over $3 million (2.2 million euro) in cash to Brazil after players demanded their appearance fees.

On the day of their final match against Portugal, the GFA expelled two of their highest profile players striker Kevin-Prince Boateng and troublesome midfielder Sulley Muntari.

The association said Muntari, who has a history of disciplinary problems, had assaulted a staff member and Boateng insulted coach Kwesi Appiah.

Boateng - one of the stars of the 2010 World Cup finals when they reached the quarter-finals - strenuously denied the allegation aghainst him.

Ghana went on to lose to Portugal 2-1.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1472 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2251 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE