Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif, has stated that he is not responsible for the self acclaimed para athletes who absconded upon arrival in Norway for the para-sports event.
He therefore criticised the Norwegian Embassy in Ghana for failing to ensure due diligence in the application process for the paralympic athletes.
According to a statement from the Ministry of National Security, addressed to the Sports Ministry and Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, coach of the ‘team,’ George Gyamfi Gyasi tragically passed away after being admitted to Oslo University Hospital following his collapse on April 28, 2024.
One member of the team,Nana Antwi was also caught by Norwegian authorities while attempting to cross into Sweden.
During a press briefing on Tuesday, July 24, at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif claimed that his ministry cannot be blamed for the scandal.
“You follow protocol by writing to the National Sports Authority and the National Sports Authority will write to the Ministry (Sports). In this case, I have just told you, that nothing of such nature happened until I even got the reportage, we didn’t know.”
“Secondly, the Norwegian authorities who issued the visas to the athletes didn’t see it prudent to even verify from the Ministry to see whether these are genuine athletes or not so to your question whether I will take responsibility, I’m sorry I can’t.”
Meanwhile,The National Paralympic Committee has indefinitely suspended Mr Theodore Mawuli Viwotor, Mr Yaw Ayisi, and the Ernestay Foundation for their alleged involvement in the incident.
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Story by Asack Pius|univers.ug.edu.gh
