Youth and Sports Minister, Nii Lante Vanderpuye has maintained that every action he has taken since assuming office has the full backing of President John Dramani Mahama.
Ghana sports has experienced some turbulence since the appointment of the Member of Parliament for Odododiodio, with the most visible impasse being between the Minister and the Ghana Football Association.
The differences have grown so bad that many football observers worry Ghana may not qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup to be held in Russia.
The minister has slashed winning bonuses, asked the management of the FA to justify why they should be paid any bonuses, and refused to grant any member of the FA complimentary tickets during official matches.
He has also mounted a series of attacks on the FA in the media but the former commentator says he has the full support of the president.
In an interview with Kumasi-based Nhyira FM, Nii Lante said, “I will first thank Asantehene for the support he always gives me. He calls me to encourage me all the time and I believe the whole Ashanti Region is behind me.
“If I am doing what Ghanaians want, that is my joy and encouragement. I don’t care who is close to me or what people think about me. I have the full support of his Excellency the president and once I have that, I am happy.
“President Mahama is very happy with my work and anytime I need support he quickly offers me. A big example was the Black Maidens. I went to him and told him the challenge we were having and quickly he called the finance ministry and the whole problem was solved. I don’t think all the ministers get that from the president but I go to the house, sit down and talk about it and he grants me the permission to go ahead.
He continued, “I am very happy things are going that way because it is not everybody that can get that favour and if this continues in the next four years, we will have something to talk about Ghana football and I promise that. We are going to change sports in the country.
“I don’t want to brag about that but the God I serve has given me that knowledge and the tenacity because anytime I go to the president he gives me his support and tells me to continue the good works. He tells me ‘I know you don’t have the budget but I will tell the finance minister and help you get the money.’ Now if I’m not doing the right thing, I don’t think the president will ask the finance minister to approve the money for me” he added.
