The Ghana Swimming Association (GSA) has officially demanded the immediate withdrawal of a letter issued by the National Sports Authority (NSA) withdrawing its recognition, describing the decision as unlawful, procedurally flawed, and damaging to the development of swimming in Ghana.
In a strongly worded response dated 14 January, 2026 and addressed to the Director General of the NSA, the GSA said it received the notice dated 7 January 2026 with “utter shock and dismay,” citing the serious implications for aquatics development in the country.
According to the GSA, the NSA failed to follow mandatory procedures outlined in the Sports Regulations, 2023 (L.I. 2477).
The Association also criticised the NSA for failing to provide any substantive legal grounds for the withdrawal, stating that references to “irregularities” and an “unsatisfactory response” were vague and unsupported by specific breaches of the law.
The Association stressed that the NSA’s authority is derived solely from Ghanaian law and cannot be lawfully based on the position or silence of an international federation.
The letter further accused the NSA of denying the GSA its statutory right of appeal under Regulation 19 of L.I. 2477 by failing to indicate the option of petitioning the Minister responsible for Sports, a move the Association says violates principles of natural justice and administrative fairness.
Beyond legal concerns, the GSA warned that the decision threatens years of investment in aquatics development.
It highlighted government funding of the Borteyman Aquatics Centre, Ghana’s hosting of major continental championships, and the country’s recent designation as host of the 2026 African Juniors, Seniors, and Masters Swimming Championships.
The Association cautioned that withdrawing its recognition could undermine Ghana’s growing status as a hub for swimming in Africa and negatively affect the sustainability of key national facilities.
The GSA has therefore called on the NSA to immediately withdraw the notice and reconsider its decision in the interest of fairness, legality, and the future of swimming in Ghana.
By Pius Asack
