{
  "id": 14197276,
  "title": "Pius Hadzide explains why Sports Ministry always attracts scandals",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/pius-hadzide-explains-why-sports-ministry-always-attracts-scandals",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-13T12:21:44.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
    "slug": "myjoyonline-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.myjoyonline.com/pius-hadzide-explains-why-sports-ministry-always-attracts-scandals/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former deputy Sports Minister Pius Hadzide shed light on the recurring scandals plaguing the Sports Ministry during an interview on JoyNews’ PM Express. He emphasized the challenges of managing relationships with various stakeholders, many of whom operate independently and have their own rules. The Minister’s influence over organizations such as the Ghana Football Association or Swimming Federation is limited, as he cannot interfere in their affairs too much, lest he be accused of meddling. This lack of control and the high turnover rate of Sports Ministers since 1979, with only 15 Finance Ministers appointed compared to 28 Sports Ministers, have contributed to the prevalence of scandals.\n\nMoreover, Hadzide pointed out that the increased scrutiny from journalists has inadvertently helped uncover the corruption and misconduct within the Sports Ministry. He noted that sports journalists, such as Muftawu Nabila Abdulai and Fentuo Tahiru, dedicate significant attention to the sector, which keeps them vigilant and capable of detecting any wrongdoing. Hadzide suggested that if similar levels of scrutiny were applied to other ministries, the frequency and magnitude of scandals might be reduced. The recent 2026 World Cup Visa scandal led to the suspension of the NSA Director General and growing calls for the resignation of the Sports Minister.",
  "summary": "Former deputy Sports Minister Pius Hadzide has explained why the ministry has become a hub for scandals. Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express on Monday night, Hadzide first highlighted the limited power of the Minister in controlling the various agencies it works with. “There are peculiriaties at the Ministry that makes relationship management a little tricky. […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Chronicle Ghana",
        "title": "Kofi Adams: US Embassy never flagged 90 World Cup volunteer list to Sports Ministry",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/kofi-adams-us-embassy-never-flagged-90-world-cup-volunteer-list-to",
        "published": "2026-10-13T05:45:03.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Adom Online",
        "title": "Why Sports Ministry always attracts scandals – Pius Enam Hadzide",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/why-sports-ministry-always-attracts-scandals-pius-enam-hadzide",
        "published": "2026-10-13T12:55:52.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}