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Norwegian Foreign Ministry to sanction parties involved in athlete visa scandal

By Simon Asare

Accra, July 22, GNA – The Ministry of Youth and Sports says they are actively investigating issues surrounding the disappearance of some para-athletes in Norway.

This comes after reports emerged online that 11 para-athletes and officials who travelled to Norway for the Bergen Fjordfrakf City Marathon in April had failed to register and had absconded.

This led to the death of the team’s coach, Mr. George Gyamfi Gyasi, who passed away on 17 May 2024, after being admitted to Oslo University Hospital.

In a statement, the Ministry of Youth and Sports said that “National Security had notified them of the situation and had expressed the concerns involved.

“In the incident in Norway, the Ministry of Youth and Sport did not receive any communication from the National Sports Authority or the National Paralympic Committee regarding the said competition and was therefore not aware of the Paralympic team’s participation in the marathon.

“We wish to state that we are actively working with the relevant authorities to investigate the matter and determine the issues related to the incident.

“The necessary sanctions will be applied to all parties found guilty in the matter.

“It is important to note that while this incident is unfortunate, it does not define the dedication and integrity of the entire sporting fraternity.

“Our athletes and officials have consistently demonstrated remarkable discipline and commitment to sporting excellence, bringing pride and joy to our nation in various international competitions,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, the National Paralympic Committee has suspended two officials, Mr Theodore Mawuli Viwotor, former secretary of the Ghana Paralympic Football Association, and Mr Yaw Ayisi, founder of the Ernestay Foundation, for their role in the incident.

GNA