Ghanaian authorities are investigating after a number of people claiming to be para-athletes and their help employees reportedly absconded throughout a visit to Norway.
The social gathering of 11 are alleged to have fraudulently obtained visas to enter the Scandinavian nation on the premise of competing within the Bergen Metropolis Marathon on 26 April, after which didn’t register for the race.
Ghana’s Nationwide Paralympic Committee (NPC Ghana) mentioned the group in query weren’t recognized to the organisation and didn’t characterize it in any capability, and that the case was one in all “impersonation and misrepresentation” by “imposters”.
NPC Ghana additionally alleged the visas had been obtained from the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Accra utilizing cast paperwork.
The physique named two people from a incapacity basis, who it claimed had facilitated the journey, and has barred them indefinitely from incapacity sport within the West African nation and reported them to police for investigation.
The 2 people didn’t reply to requests from BBC Sport Africa for remark.
Ghana’s Ministry of Youth and Sports activities mentioned it was working with related authorities to analyze the matter “to determine the problems surrounding the incident”.
“Mandatory sanctions can be delivered to [bear] on all events discovered culpable within the matter,” mentioned a press release from the Ministry.
“It is very important notice that whereas this incident is unlucky, it doesn’t outline the dedication and integrity of all the sports activities fraternity.”
The Royal Norwegian Embassy in Ghana instructed BBC Sport Africa it doesn’t touch upon particular person circumstances due to confidentiality.
Norway’s Nationwide Police Immigration Service, which is liable for recording and returning individuals staying illegally within the nation, was additionally unable to touch upon particular person circumstances.
NPC Ghana mentioned the matter was “already within the area of the nation’s safety companies”.
“We wish to guarantee the general public that NPC Ghana is ready to help the safety companies in unravelling the reality,” it added in a press release.
“All these people concerned and behind this illicit act might be fished out and delivered to face the total rigours of the regulation.”
NPC Ghana instructed BBC Sport Africa the incident won’t have an effect on the participation of Ghanaian para-athletes, officers and stakeholders on the Paris 2024 Paralympic Video games.
“No member of the Paralympic group, no licensed athlete and no official or volunteers are concerned within the alleged fraudulent act,” it mentioned.
The Ministry of Youth and Sports activities additionally appealed to embassies and consulates in Ghana to confirm visa requests for sporting competitions earlier than approving and granting paperwork permitting journey.
