Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif retains seat amidst mixed fortunes for sports figures in 2024 elections
By Kwame Bediako
Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif has successfully retained his position as the Member of Parliament for the Yagaba/Kubori Constituency following the conclusion of the 2024 general elections held on December 7. Ussif, who first reclaimed his seat in 2020 under the New Patriotic Party (NPP), will continue to serve his constituents, marking a notable achievement in a year filled with electoral challenges for many sports figures across the nation.
The elections saw mixed results for other prominent sports personalities. Notably, Ussif’s deputy, Evans Bobie Opoku, faced defeat in his re-election bid for the Asunafo North Constituency, losing to the National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) Mohammed Haruna. Opoku’s loss highlights the competitive nature of this year’s elections, as he was initially elected in 2020, making his defeat a significant upset for the NPP in the Ahafo Region.
Former deputy Sports Minister Pius Enam Hadzide also experienced disappointment, failing to secure a seat in the Asuogyaman constituency. His loss, alongside that of Nsoatreman Owner Ignatius Baffour Awuah to NDC’s Millicent Yeboah Amankwah, underscores the challenges faced by sports administrators seeking political office. The Minister of Employment and Labour Relations also did not return to Parliament after an unsuccessful attempt for re-election in the Sunyani West constituency, further emphasizing the shifting political landscape.
On a more positive note, Karela United owner Haruna Iddrisu successfully retained his seat as the MP for the Tamale South Constituency, marking his sixth term in Parliament. His continued presence in the legislature reflects the support he has garnered over the years, contrasting sharply with the fate of others in the sports community. Similarly, Adams Abdul-Salam, the younger brother of New Edubiase FC owner Abdul Salam Yakubu, secured his seat for the NDC in the New Edubiase Constituency, showcasing some resilience among sports figures.
As the dust settles from the elections, the future of sports administration in Ghana remains uncertain. Ni Lante Vanderpuye, who was anticipated to return as Sports Minister, will not be returning to Parliament after opting not to contest for the NDC primaries. The political landscape has shifted dramatically, and the implications for sports policy and governance in Ghana will be closely monitored in the coming months.
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