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Sports News of Wednesday, 24 July 2019

Source: www.ghanaweb.com

We are not fools – Ghanaians react to ‘outrageous’ AFCON budget

Sports Minister, Isaac Asiamah Sports Minister, Isaac Asiamah

It appears Sports Minister Isaac Asiamah did his already dented image no good with his 2019 AFCON budget presentation on Wednesday.

The Sports Minister has come under attacks for using the tax payers’ money to airlift supporters, most of whom are believed to be party foot soldiers.

In line with parliamentary principles, Isaac Asiamah who has surprisingly been quiet since the botched AFCON campaign appeared before the house today, to render account on how much was expended at the tournament.

The Minister disclosed that US$6,365,033.84 was budgeted for the tournament with a colossal amount of US$4, 564, 352.00 being spent on the training tour up until the team exited the AFCON at the round of 16 stage.

The Minister in breaking down the expenditure, revealed that a staggering $1,489,432 million was spent on winning bonuses despite the country winning only one game.

Isaac Asiamah also denied allegations that the government sponsored supporters to embark on excursion in Egypt, stating that the tour was organized by CAF and FIFA.

Some Ghanaians have expressed shock and disbelief at the figures quoted by the minister, questioning why someone who in opposition became a crusader for the protection of the public purse would supervise such ‘wastage’ of the Ghanaian’s money.

Former Okwahu United coach and sports pundit Nana Agyemang explicitly denied claims by the minister that CAF organized excursions for the supporters.

Below are comments from some Ghanaians