Vincent Assafuah accuses Sports Minister of interfering in Ghana Swimming Association affairs

Vincent Ekow Assafuah, Ranking Member on Parliament’s Select Committee on Youth and Sports, has accused the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, of illegally meddling with the Ghana Swimming Association (GSA) activities. Mr Assafuah expressed strong concerns in a statement appearing on his Facebook page on Tuesday, May 12, to criticise the Ministry for withdrawing recognition of the GSA and for tarnishing Ghana’s international sporting reputation and violating internationally accepted principles of sports governance.

The controversy has already prompted international attention, with World Aquatics also reportedly reaffirming the Ghana Swimming Association as the country’s only recognised swimming federation. “The Minister for Sports and Recreation’s recent actions on the withdrawal of recognition of the Ghana Swimming Association are a direct sign of bad governance, executive overreach, and unlawful meddling in governing sport in Ghana,” he said.

Mr Assafuah cautioned that continued interference could confuse Ghanaian swimmers, leave them open to potential sanctions and could drive them out of all major worldwide competitions, including Olympic qualifiers. So he has urged the Sports Minister to undo his decision immediately and allow the Ghana Swimming Association to operate without politicians’ interference. “It ought to be about protecting athletes, preserving Ghana’s international standing and respecting the independence of sporting institutions.”

Editor:

Obiri-Yeboah