The Ministry of Sports and Recreation says it did not determine the travel schedule for Ghana’s men’s 4x100m relay team, following complaints by athletes over long journeys and limited preparation time ahead of the World Athletics Relays in Botswana.
In a statement issued on May 4, the Ministry said arrival timelines and competition preparation schedules are set by the relevant sports federations and international competition protocols, not by the Ministry.
“The Ministry wishes to state clearly that arrival timelines and competition preparation schedules are determined by federation engagements and international competition protocols, and not by the Ministry.”
The clarification comes after members of the relay team raised concerns about a 14-hour flight and a 16-hour layover, arguing that the travel conditions affected their readiness for competition.
According to the Ministry, its role is limited to facilitating travel arrangements based on recommendations from the National Sports Authority and the relevant federation, in this case, the Ghana Athletics.
“The Ministry did not vary or alter the travel schedule as submitted by the Ghana Athletics. The Ministry remains committed to supporting all national teams within established procedures and will continue to work with the National Sports Authority and federations to strengthen coordination and ensure optimal preparation conditions for athletes,” the statement explained.
The Ministry added that it remains committed to supporting national teams within established procedures and will continue working with stakeholders to improve coordination and preparation conditions for athletes.
This statement comes after the Ghana Athletics, in a statement issued on Sunday, took full responsibility for travel and pre-competition challenges faced by Ghana’s men’s 4x100m relay team.
