Ghana Swimming Association (GSA) President, Dolphina Quaye has brushed off the NDC’s call for the dismissal of Minister for Youth Sports, Mustapha Ussif, and the Local Organising Committee Chairman.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has expressed concerns regarding the organization of the just-ended 13th African Games.
As reported, the party is demanding the resignation or dismissal of the Minister of Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, citing “gross incompetence that has led to national embarrassment.”
The NDC also demands the dissolution of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the African Games, a forensic audit into the budget and expenditure for the preparation and organization of the games, and a televised probe by Parliament into the expenditure and organization of the games.
In response to the statement from the NDC, President Dolphina Quaye defended Ghana’s hosting, stating that it is not a waste of money.
“I wouldn’t know how much money has been spent for the games. I can’t say they haven’t spent but for my federation, I saw what I wanted and it was perfect for us. So, if the other federations or disciplines felt what was built or given to them was not what they were expecting, I can’t say anything but for my federation, our pool was perfect.
“There’s a first time for everything. We don’t have facilities so I will not say they have wasted money on the new ones because the newly-built facilities will be left here and we have the opportunity to train with them. It will help us to perform well in the next competitions. I don’t think is a waste of money. I don’t believe so,” she told Edward King Akuffo on Atinka TV.
The swimming team battled resiliently rubbing shoulders with South Africa, Egypt, Algeria, and others who are known to be dominant forces in swimming.
Nonetheless, Ghana managed to secure its first swimming medals in the African Games and made it to several finals.
Captain Abeiku Jackson secured a silver medal after finishing second in the Men’s 50m Butterfly. He also won bronze in the 100m Butterfly establishing Ghana’s presence on the podium when it comes to swimming.