Mustapha Ussif, Ghana’s Minister for Youth and Sports, has been honored with the prestigious title of African Sports Minister of the Year.

This recognition was bestowed upon him at the inaugural Africa Sports & Tourism Awards (ASTA), held in Abuja, Nigeria. It celebrated his remarkable leadership and relentless dedication to advancing the sports sector across the continent.

Themed “Sports as a Catalyst for Accelerated Tourism Development in Africa,” the ceremony brought together professionals from both the sporting and tourism industries to commend individuals and initiatives driving transformative change across Africa.

Supported by Project Fly With Us Africa, the Federal Ministry of Sports Development, and the African Tourism Board, ASTA marked a significant milestone in acknowledging the synergies between sports and tourism in Africa.

Organizers highlighted Ussif’s visionary leadership and commitment to uplifting Ghana’s sporting landscape, particularly his pivotal role in successfully hosting the 13th African Games in Ghana.

The award was accepted on behalf of Hon. Mustapha Ussif by a delegation led by Ambassador Inusah Zimblim, accompanied by Jamaludeen A. Abdullah, Executive Assistant to the Minister, Dinah Boateng, Director of Protocol of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and Commodore Bassing, Security Advisor at the High Commission in Abuja.

In a gracious acceptance speech on behalf of the Minister, Mr. Jamaludeen expressed gratitude for the honor, emphasizing, “This award is a testament to the collective efforts of all those who have contributed to Ghana’s sporting success. It is a recognition of Ghana’s unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation in the field of sports.”

The event also recognized other notable figures, including Senator John Owan-Enoh, Minister of Sports Development of Nigeria, Governor of Lagos, H. E. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Nigeria Football Federation President, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusa, Founder of Heartland F.C, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, and the Minister of Tourism of Nigeria, Lola Ade-John, among others.