My greatest regret is sending supporters to Brazil – Elvis Afriyie Ankrah

• Posted on August 22, 2014
• by Nana Kwesi Coomson
• Comment

Ex Youth and Sports Minister Elvis Afriyie Ankrah has expressed regret over his decision to send football fans to the Brazil 2014 World Cup.

He told the Justice Senyo Dzamefe-led commission yesterday that should he be restored to his former position of Sports Minister, flying fans to rally support for the Black Stars will be the last project he would embark on.

The former sports chief indicated that he braved the odds and decided to send fans for the Mundial taking into account the important role supporters play in tournaments.

He cited the last CHAN tourney as a classical example where he linked goalkeeper Stephen Adams’ spirited performance (of three penalty saves) to the massive cheers he received from the stands.

“One of my greatest regrets is sending supporters to the World Cup. I will never take supporters to any tourney if I find myself in the same position.

“Government said it will not send fans for the tournament, but looking at the key role they play in matches, I decided to send some few hundreds. Raising money from corporate world is extremely difficult these days.

“I don’t know why some people will take some negative pictures and push it on the social media and other media platforms,” he added.

Mr Afriyie-Ankrah responded to how he reacted after hearing the negative stories back home thus: “I decided to hold on for an opportunity like this to clear the air. For instance I heard my mum was selling replica jerseys, which was totally false. My mum is an evangelist in London. If somebody has evidence that I have stolen state money he or she must come forward.”

By Kofi Owusu Aduonum