Samson Deen, President of the Ghana National Paralympic Committee, has vehemently denied reports suggesting Ghanaian Paralympic athletes and officials absconded to European countries following an event in Oslo, Norway.
Speaking to Accra based Joy FM on Saturday, Deen clarified that no member of the Ghana Paralympics team has ever absconded, particularly not to Norway or any other Schengen state.
“These allegations are completely unfounded,” stated Deen.
“The Ghana Paralympic Committee has neither sent athletes nor officials to Norway for any event, let alone applied for visas from the Norwegian embassy.”
The controversy erupted after news circulated that a contingent of Ghanaian paralympians and technical staff purportedly failed to participate in the Fjordkraft Bergen Marathon in Oslo and subsequently absconded. However, Deen refuted these claims, attributing the confusion to a forged letter bearing his signature and falsely implying official endorsement.
“I have not signed any such letter to the Norwegian embassy or authorized any visa applications for non-existent events,” affirmed Deen. “The document in question was forged, and we have already taken disciplinary action against individuals involved.”
Deen further emphasized that the Ghana Paralympic Committee remains committed to transparency and integrity in its operations, pledging full cooperation with the Ghana Police Service for a thorough investigation into the matter.
“We have suspended those implicated pending further investigation,” Deen added. “It’s regrettable that such misinformation has tarnished our reputation, but rest assured, we are determined to set the record straight.”
In response to inquiries, the Norwegian embassy reportedly confirmed receipt of visa applications purportedly linked to the Paralympic team, prompting swift action from Ghanaian authorities to address the fraudulent activities.
As the investigation unfolds, the Ghana Paralympic Committee seeks to reassure stakeholders and the public of its unwavering dedication to upholding ethical standards and supporting its athletes’ legitimate international engagements.
Ghana | Atinkaonline.com | Ebenezer Madugu
