I Don�t Expect Anyone To Tag Me As a Thief...I Never Stole During My Tenure As Sports Minister - Afriyie Ankrah

Ghana’s Youth and Sports Ministry over the years has been the toughest Ministry for every administration. But for the incumbent government, recent Sports Ministers have had serious issues of accountability after any Black Stars participation in a tournament.

Recently, Youth and Sports Minister, Hon. Mahama Ayariga has been subjected to public scrutiny after exhibiting open disdain to the media when questioned by journalists to explain into detail Ghana’s budget for the just ended Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea.

The minster had earlier failed to disclose the budget to the Ghanaian public before leaving for Equatorial Guinea but upon returning from the tournament, he revealed an amount of GH₵17.9million or US$8million as the budget for Ghana’s AFCON to Parliament.

Nevertheless, during Peace FM’s Thursday afternoon Sports Show panel discussion, New Patriotic Party Member of Parliament for Asante Akim North Constituency, Hon. Kwadwo Baah Agyemang stated categorically that he has evidence that Elvis Afriyie Ankrah looted state money whiles at post but warned Mahama Ayariga never to attempt that or face the anger of Ghanaians.

But in a sharp retort, Elvis Afriyie Ankrah called in the program to debunk the allegation of siphoning state funds into his pocket and asked the MP to withdraw the claim.  

I want to make this known to all Ghanaians that, I [Elvis Afriyie Ankrah] never stole from government coffers before, during or after the 2014 World Cup. I work very hard for the country…I did all I could…humanely possible to bring glory to this nation but the players [Black Stars] disappointed us in some way because of money,” he said. 

I am very disappointed by the MP’s accusation. Even though I apologized for the mishaps in Brazil, I don’t expect anyone to tag me as a thief without any proof, I never stole any money,” he fumed. 

Speaking on Peace FM Sports Show, Elvis Afriyie Ankrah warned sports commentators to disassociate him from the recent AFCON budget brouhaha since that is far different from his issue after the world cup tournament.

If there is no evil don’t create evil,” he said.