Tension continues to rise within Ghana’s swimming fraternity as athletes, parents and coaches have publicly expressed frustration over the ongoing administrative challenges surrounding the Ghana Swimming Association.
At a press conference held on Friday at the Accra City Hotel by Swim Stakeholders Connect, a group made up of concerned swimmers, coaches and parents, national team athletes openly lamented the impact the federation’s governance issues are having on their careers and the development of the sport in Ghana.
Captain of Ghana’s national swimming team, Abeiku Jackson, did not hide his disappointment, insisting that athletes are suffering because the status of the federation remains uncertain.
“We are paying the price because our federation’s status is in question,” Abeiku Jackson stated during the press conference.
Fellow Ghanaian swimmer Aseda Richardson also spoke emotionally about the struggles athletes endure behind the scenes.
“No one knows the amount of pain we go through as swimming athletes,” he said, highlighting the difficult conditions many swimmers continue to face while trying to represent the country.
The press conference was organized to address allegations against the current executives of the Ghana Swimming Association, including claims that elections were conducted illegally and that the federation has failed to present financial accounts for the past four years.
Legal representative for Swim Stakeholders Connect, Duke Sosu, called on the Ministry of Sports and Recreation and the National Sports Authority to intervene and ensure accountability within the federation.
“We are formally calling on the Ministry of Sports and the National Sports Authority to enforce laws that require the Ghana Swimming Association executives to issue financial accounts for the past four years,” Lawyer Duke Sosu stated.
The lawyer also called for the immediate establishment of an Interim Management Committee to take over the administration of the association, steer its affairs temporarily and supervise fresh elections aimed at restoring credibility and transparency to the federation.
The group believes transparency and proper governance are crucial to restoring confidence in Ghana swimming and ensuring athletes can compete without administrative distractions affecting their progress and international opportunities.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Jones Adzi
