Minister of Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, has stated that he can’t take responsibility for the controversy stemming from the Norway Scandal that has rocked Ghana sports.
A group of purported para-athletes expected to represent Ghana at the Bergren Marathon in Oslo, Norway in April absconded with one passing away and another apprehended by Norwegian authorities as he attempted to move to Sweden.
This was captured in a letter from the Ministry of National Security that was copied to the Sports Ministry and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and National Integration.
The National Paralympic Committee-Ghana President, Samson Deen, stated in a video that his signature was forged on the letter the individuals used to apply for visas. (Click highlighted text to read full story)
In a statement released earlier this week, the Ministry slammed the actions of the purported para-athletes and promised “punitive measures” will be meted out to impersonators. (Click highlighted text to read full story)
In a press briefing at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, stated emphatically that he can’t be held responsible for the scandal because due processes weren’t observed.
“You follow protocol by writing to the National Sports Authority and the National Sports Authority will write to the Ministry (Sports). In this case, I have just told you, that nothing of such nature happened until I even got the reportage, we didn’t know.”
“Secondly, the Norwegian authorities who issued the visas to the athletes didn’t see it prudent to even verify from the Ministry to see whether these are genuine athletes or not so to your question whether I will take responsibility, I’m sorry I can’t.”
“I can’t take responsibility”
Sports Minister, Mustapha Ussif suggests that the recent visa scandal involving the ‘fake’ para athletes could have been avoided if proper protocol for acquiring visas for international sporting competitions had been followed.#CitiSports pic.twitter.com/kI05UGTQVK
— Citi Sports (@CitiSportsGHA) July 24, 2024
