Youth and Sports Minister, Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye has rubbished allegations that he is working against the qualification of Ghana’s senior male football team to the next FIFA World Cup.
The Black Stars started their Russia 2018 campaign with a frustrating draw against the Cranes of Uganda at the Tamale Sports Stadium.
The appointment of the former commentator as Sports Minister has resulted in an acrimonious relationship between the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the ministry.
He has been accused by several football watchers of working against the progress of the Black Stars through his utterances but Nii Lante says he has nothing against the team.
Speaking to Kumasi-based Nhyira FM, Nii Lante said, “No one can question my love for the team. I love the team just like any Ghanaian.
“I am a minister and it will be great to have it on my Curriculum Vitae that under my reign, Ghana sealed a fourth consecutive World Cup slot.
“My duty is to scrutinize whatever budget we are presented with. I am accountable to institutions so I must seek explanation from the FA when deemed fit. The fact is that if other Ministers paid certain monies, it doesn’t mean I have to do that.
“In our previous World Cup qualifications, we did certain things that have set a bad precedence for us and I am here to correct those things.”
The Black Stars will next play Egypt in Alexandria on November 13.
