Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has dismissed comparisons between the treatment of Ghana’s 4x100m relay team and the Black Stars, following complaints over travel arrangements.
This response comes after members of the relay team, in a post shared on the social media platform X, shortly after the team booked their place at the 2027 World Athletics Championship, expressed frustration about the conditions the athletes had to endure before competing.
Abdul-Rasheed Saminu stated that the team faced a 14-hour flight followed by a 16-hour layover, leaving them with little time to recover before the race. According to him, competing under such conditions affected their readiness and performance.
Saminu also drew comparisons with the treatment of the Black Stars, suggesting that travel arrangements for footballers are typically handled well in advance.
Responding to the claims in an interview with Joy Sports, Kofi Adams said the comparison was misplaced.
“They were trying to take on the Ministry of Sports and compare with the footballers, but they got it wrong. It is not possible to get tickets a month ahead for any footballer. Most of the time, the list is released close to match time. That’s when you know and make arrangements for the players,” he explained.
The minister acknowledged ongoing challenges with late travel arrangements but noted that earlier planning would be more cost-effective for the state.
“I’ve had cause to complain that I needed a long notice to purchase tickets ahead of time, so it costs us less. It actually costs the ministry more when you buy tickets at the last minute. We would love to get it done early because it is for our own good, financial and economic good to buy tickets early,” he said.
Kofi Adams also explained that the ministry does not unilaterally alter competition schedules, insisting that it works within timelines provided by sports federations.
“The ministry doesn’t drastically change the dates and schedules presented by the federations. We work according to their schedule. In all cases, we make sure that we meet the match protocols,” he added.
