By Simon Asare

Accra, July 22, GNA – The Ministry of Youth and Sports says it is actively investigating the issues surrounding the disappearance of several para-athletes in Norway.

This follows online reports that 11 para-athletes and officials who travelled to Norway in April for the Fjordfrakf Bergen City Marathon failed to register and fled.

This resulted in the death of the team’s coach, Mr. George Gyamfi Gyasi, who passed away on May 17, 2024 after being admitted to Oslo University Hospital.

In a statement, the Ministry of Youth and Sports said that “National Security had informed them of the situation and outlined the concerns.

“In the Norwegian incident, the Ministry of Youth and Sports did not receive any communication from the National Sports Authority or the National Paralympic Committee regarding the said competition and was therefore not aware of the participation of the Paralympic team in the marathon.

“We would like to state that we are actively cooperating with the relevant authorities to investigate the matter and identify the issues surrounding the incident.

“Necessary sanctions would be imposed on all parties found guilty in this matter.

“It is important to note that this incident, while unfortunate, does not define the dedication and integrity of the entire sports community.

“Our athletes and officials have consistently shown remarkable discipline and dedication to sporting excellence, bringing pride and joy to our nation at various international competitions,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, the National Paralympic Committee has suspended two officials: Mr Theodore Mawuli Viwotor, former secretary of the Ghana Paralympic Football Federation, and Mr Yaw Ayisi, founder of the Ernestay Foundation, for their roles in the incident.

GNA

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