The Minority Members of Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee are calling for an immediate investigation into a scandal involving the issuance of visas to a group of purported Ghanaian para-athletes who reportedly had no intention of participating in the Bergen Marathon in Norway.
North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa is at the forefront of these demands, insisting that the scandal points to deeper issues within the visa issuance and diplomatic protocols.
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has been vocal about the need for an inquiry, emphasizing the suspicious nature of the incident. According to Hon. Ablakwa, the supposed team did not register for the marathon event, raising serious doubts about their intentions.
“Diplomatic envoys or foreign service staff have questions to answer. They did not even register for the game. They had no intention to participate in the game.”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, North Tongu MP
Ablakwa argued that the ease with which the team bypassed institutional checks suggests that there might be a larger, more complex scheme at play.
Hon. Ablakwa underscored the importance of a transparent investigation to restore Ghana’s international reputation.
“Clearly, there ought to be a probe and let the probe be transparent, let’s issue a report, let’s carry out institutional reforms so that it will send a very convincing message to international partners.”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, North Tongu MP
The call for an inquiry follows reports that nine out of an 11-member team of Ghanaian para-athletes went missing upon their arrival in Oslo for the Bergen Marathon.
The Ministry of National Security revealed that one of the para-athletes, Nana Antwi, has been detained by Norwegian authorities. Tragically, the coach of the team, George Gyamfi Gyasi, passed away shortly after collapsing and being admitted to Oslo University Hospital on April 28, 2024.
Ministry Responses and Actions
The Ministry of Youth and Sports stated that it is actively collaborating with relevant authorities to investigate the matter, claiming it had no prior knowledge of the team’s participation. This statement has done little to quell the concerns of the Minority MPs, who believe a more thorough probe is necessary.
The National Paralympic Committee (NPC) of Ghana has already taken action by suspending three individuals accused of masterminding the incident. NPC President Samson Deen has come forward, asserting that his signature was forged to facilitate the fraudulent visa applications.
“We engaged, we checked and we realized that the letter was written, they forged my signature, forged my letter, and applied for visas for some people who are not athletes.”
Mr. Samson Deen, President of the National Paralympic Committee (NPC)
This revelation has added another layer of complexity to the scandal, suggesting potential internal corruption and abuse of office within sports administration circles.
The scandal has significant implications for Ghana’s diplomatic and sporting reputation. The ease with which the fake athletes were able to secure visas and travel has raised questions about the integrity of the country’s institutions and their vulnerability to exploitation.
Hon. Ablakwa and other MPs argued that without a comprehensive and transparent investigation, Ghana risks further damage to its international standing.
The Minority Members of Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee are adamant that an immediate and transparent inquiry is essential to uncover the full extent of the visa scandal involving the purported para-athletes.
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has been a prominent voice in calling for this probe, stressing the need for accountability and institutional reform to prevent future occurrences. As the investigation unfolds, the Ghanaian government and its agencies will need to work diligently to address the issues raised and restore faith in their processes and protocols.
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