Nii Lante Vanderpuye Pledges to Revamp Ghana's Sports Sector if Appointed Minister
Former Youth and Sports Minister Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye has expressed his determination to transform Ghana's sports sector should he be reappointed under a John Mahama administration. Currently the Member of Parliament for Odododiodio Constituency, Vanderpuye voiced his dissatisfaction with the state of sports under the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government, highlighting widespread issues such as corruption and mismanagement. Reflecting on his previous tenure in 2016, he pledged to bring a renewed focus on accountability and systemic reform to restore integrity to the sector. He emphasized the need for decisive leadership to address the challenges undermining sports development in Ghana.
A key issue Vanderpuye seeks to tackle is the exploitation of players and the undue influence of individuals prioritizing personal gain over the growth of sports. He likened this exploitation to treating footballers as mere commodities, comparing their mistreatment to “poultry chicken” used for profit by unscrupulous actors. Vanderpuye argued that footballers, coaches, and genuine investors should reap the rewards of their contributions, rather than middlemen who exploit the system. Drawing from his own experience as a former footballer and sportsman, he assured that he would fight against anyone who seeks to exploit athletes, promising to create a thriving sports environment that prioritizes players’ welfare and industry sustainability.
Vanderpuye’s criticisms extended to the current Youth and Sports Minister, Mustapha Ussif, whose tenure he views as marked by stagnation and underachievement. He pointed out Ghana’s struggles in international tournaments, particularly the Black Stars’ inability to progress beyond group stages, as indicative of poor sports management. If given the opportunity, Vanderpuye aims to implement bold reforms to enhance accountability, attract investors, and ensure that sports stakeholders benefit equitably. With growing concerns over the state of sports in Ghana, his plans to overhaul the sector are seen as a potential blueprint for revitalizing the industry. Many Ghanaians now anticipate the direction the Mahama administration might take and whether Vanderpuye will get the chance to bring his vision to life.
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