In a recent press conference, the Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon. Mustapha Ussif, unequivocally clarified that the Ministry had no involvement in securing visas for a group that falsely claimed to represent Ghana’s Paralympics team at a marathon event in Oslo, Norway.
The Minister’s statements come amidst rising concerns about the integrity of sports representations and the potential damage to Ghana’s international reputation.
“The team that went to Oslo was not representing Ghana,” Minister Ussif firmly stated, addressing the gathered media and stakeholders. He emphasized that the Ministry of Youth and Sports had no part in the fraudulent activities of the group, which had masqueraded as the national Paralympic team.
Minister Ussif issued a stern warning to those behind this deceitful act, highlighting the seriousness with which the Ministry views such misconduct. “This kind of behaviour is unacceptable and tarnishes the image of our nation. Those responsible for this act will be held accountable,” he asserted.
The Minister assured the public that the Ghana Police Service and other relevant institutions would conduct thorough investigations to uncover the individuals and networks behind this fraud. He stated, “We have engaged the police service and other security agencies to investigate this matter comprehensively. We will ensure that those involved face the full force of the law.”
Minister Ussif went on to confirm that the group in question consisted of impostors who had no affiliation with Ghana’s official Paralympic team. “The paralympic team that went to Oslo are fake people,” he declared, reiterating that the Ministry remains committed to supporting legitimate athletes and safeguarding the integrity of sports in Ghana.
This incident has sparked a broader conversation about the need for stringent verification processes and heightened vigilance in the realm of sports administration. The Ministry of Youth and Sports is taking steps to prevent similar occurrences in the future, including tightening protocols around team approvals and travel arrangements for international events.
As the investigation unfolds, the Ministry calls on all stakeholders, including the media, sports associations, and the public, to cooperate fully with the authorities to ensure that the truth is uncovered and justice is served. Minister Ussif concluded, “Our focus remains on promoting genuine sportsmanship and providing the necessary support for our athletes to excel on the global stage.”
The Ministry of Youth and Sports remains committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and excellence in Ghanaian sports, working diligently to prevent any future attempts to undermine the nation’s sporting reputation.
By: Nutsugah Francis – Ahotor Sports Desk
