Albert Kan-Dapaah, the Minister of National Security, has revealed how nine members of a Ghanaian “paralympic team” are fugitives after being accused of impersonating.
The letter, forwarded to the Foreign Minister and the Minister of Youth and Sports, stated that the alleged “team” had secured visas from the Norwegian Embassy in Accra to take part in the Fjordkraft Bergen City Marathon in Oslo on April 27, 2018
.
The letter further states that on April 25, 2024, the alleged team of athletes landed in Oslo in preparation for the marathon.
It was found, meanwhile, that the eleven-person team had neglected to register for the competition, which was scheduled to take place two days after their arrival.
Nana Antwi, a team member, was arrested trying to leave Norway for Sweden on a one-way train ticket. Coach George Gyamfi Gyasi died after collapsing and being admitted to Oslo University Hospital on April 28, 2024. The other nine team members are on the run. Following this scandal, Western Diplomatic Missions in Accra and the European Border Coast Guard agency have been alerted to repatriate and apprehend the team members. The National Security Minister warned that this incident could impact the visa chances of Ghanaian national teams for future competitions.
Mr. Samson Deen, the head of Ghana’s Paralympic Committee, said he has never signed a letter requesting visa help from the Norwegian Embassy during an exclusive conversation on Joy FM’s Joy Sports Link.
The individuals in question, according to Mr. Deen, who is also the President of the African Paralympic Committee (APC), falsified his signature after they were first refused visas for the tournament.
He also disclosed to Joy Sports that he has reported the incident to the Ghana Police Service in order to initiate additional inquiries.
The Ernestay Foundation, Mr. Yaw Ayisi, and Mr. Theodore Mawuli Viwotor have all been suspended indefinitely by the Ghanaian National Paralympic Committee for their roles in the incident.
According to a letter addressed to the three, they were punished for their alleged involvement in the fabrication of the stamp and signature of the NPC Ghana President and the falsification of NPC letterheads.
The location of the remaining nine members of this “National team” are currently unknown.
Read Also: Ghana Amputee Team Emerges Champions At AAFCON In Egypt
