Sports Ministry distances itself from paralympic scandal

The Sports Ministry has distanced itself from a recent visa scandal involving a group claiming to be members of the Ghana Paralympic team.

The ministry has emphasised that the incident does not reflect the character of the nation’s sports fraternity.

“It is important to note that while this incident is unfortunate, it does not define the dedication and integrity of the entire sports fraternity,” the statement said.

“Our athletes and officials have consistently showcased remarkable discipline and commitment to sporting excellence, bringing pride and joy to our nation at several international competitions.”

“[Sports Ministry was] unaware of the participation of the Paralympic team in the Marathon.”

A letter from the Ministry of National Security revealed that nine members of the purported Paralympic team are on the run after allegedly impersonating athletes to obtain visas to Norway.

The group failed to participate in the scheduled event and subsequently absconded.

However, the chairman of the National Paralympic Committee, Samson Deen, has strongly denied any involvement in the matter. He claims that the group forged documents using his signature to acquire visas fraudulently.

READ: No Paralympic team member applied for visa to Norway – Samson Deen

Despite the scandal, Team Ghana is currently in Kumasi preparing for the upcoming Paralympic Games.