I have the full support of President Mahama – Sports Minister

Youth and Sports Minister, Nii Lante Vanderpuye has disclosed he is having the supports of His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama.

The appointment of the Member of Parliament for the people Odododiodio Constituency as the youth and sports minister has triggered many issues which have led to the rough relationship between the FA and the sports ministry.

Many football endeavors has urged the president to call both parties to order because it can affects the country’s qualification to the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup.

The Black Stars started their FIFA World Cup campaign with a disappointing draw against the Cranes of Uganda at the Tamale Sports Stadium.

The minister has taken some crucial decisions that many are of the view he is in to hunt the Ghana Football Association. Members of the FA with no doubt came out publicly insisting that the minister’s attitude will affect the Black Stars players. Slashing of winning bonuses, asking the management of the FA to justify why they should be paid the same amount of the Black Stars players and refusing to grant any member of the FA complimentary tickets during official matches has being some issues the FA don’t seem to agree with the Minister but the former GBC worker says he have the full supports of the president regardless of what the people are saying.

In an interview Kumasi based Nhyira FM, Nii Lante said, “I will first thank Asantehene with the supports he always have for 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 supports of his Excellency the president and ones I have that, I am happy.

“President Mahama is very happy with my work and anytime I need supports 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 favor 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 supports 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 am not doing the right thing, I don’t think the president will ask the finance minister to approve the money for me.” He added.