Abdul-Rasheed Saminu: Ghana’s fastest man slams travel arrangements after relay qualification.
Ghana’s fastest man, Abdul-Rasheed Saminu, has criticised the Ministry of Sports and Recreation over poor travel arrangements, despite the national men’s 4×100 metres relay team securing qualification for the next World Athletics Championships.
The sprinter, who recently set a new national 100 metres record, expressed frustration shortly after the team’s qualification at the World Relays in Botswana, arguing that inadequate planning had negatively affected the athletes’ preparation.
“The Ministry of Sports in Ghana needs to do better, don’t set us up for failure,” he posted on X. “If it was the Black Stars, flight tickets would be ready months prior to their game. A 14-hour flight with a 16-hour layover is not acceptable for professional athletes. We are running with jet lag, with no proper recovery.”
Saminu’s comments highlight growing concerns about athlete welfare and logistical support for Ghana’s track and field competitors on the international stage.
According to him, the team endured a long-haul journey followed by extended transit delays, leaving them with minimal recovery time before competing.
He warned that such conditions risk undermining performance, especially at elite competitions where marginal differences can determine outcomes.
Despite the challenges, Ghana’s relay quartet delivered a commendable performance to book a place at the World Athletics Championships, marking the country’s fourth successive appearance in the men’s 4x100m event.
The result reinforces Ghana’s continued presence among the top sprinting nations, even as concerns persist about the off-track conditions faced by athletes.
Saminu has emerged as one of Ghana’s leading sprint prospects, having broken the national 100 metres record with a time of 9.86 seconds.
His rapid rise on the global stage has positioned him as a key figure in Ghana’s medal ambitions, with strong performances across collegiate and international competitions.
The sprinter, who has also represented Ghana at major championships, continues to advocate for improved support systems to help athletes maximise their potential.
