The President of the National Paralympic Committee (NPC), Samson Deen has refuted claims that he authorized a group of Ghanaian para-athletes to travel to Norway for the Bergren Marathon this year.
This comes after reports that nine out of an 11-member team are missing upon their arrival in Oslo for the event.
According to a statement from the Ministry of National Security, addressed to the Ministries of Youth and Sports and Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, para-athlete Nana Antwi has been detained by Norwegian authorities.
Deen, however, has disclaimed any knowledge of the individuals mentioned in the statement and has accused the parties involved of forging his signature on the visa application letter used by the alleged representatives.
Deen explained to Joy Sports, “Upon our checks of receiving this letter from the Ministry of Sports, we checked and realised that the letter was forged. Upon reaching out to them [Theodore Mawuli Viwotor, former Secretary General of the Ghana Paralympic Football Association, and Ernest Ayisi, founder of Ernestay Foundation] I asked how they got my signature, they indicated that one Adongo, based in Europe, is the one who forged my letter and all the signatures.”
He further clarified, “They forged my signature on the letter and applied for visas for some people who have no affiliation with the Ghana Paralympic Team.
“For this matter, the two remaining individuals have been suspended from anything that has to do with Paralympic Sports in the country.”
Video below:
EXCLUSIVE: The Paralympic President of Ghana discloses that the supposed para team arrived in Oslo after his signature was forged for visas to Norway and absconded afterward.#JoySports #SportsLink pic.twitter.com/UPW2NYVP4h
— #JoySports (@JoySportsGH) July 20, 2024
Tragically, George Gyamfi Gyasi, the coach of the team, passed away shortly after collapsing on April 28, 2024, and was admitted to Oslo University Hospital (ULEVAL).
In response to the incident, the National Paralympic Committee of Ghana has imposed an indefinite suspension on Theodore Mawuli Viwotor, Yaw Ayisi, and the Ernestay Foundation for their role in the matter.