A team of Ghanaian paralympic athletes and technical officials made headlines after absconding from Oslo, Norway, following their failure to compete in the Fjordkraft Bergren Marathon. The Ministry of National Security confirmed their disappearance in a letter dated July 3, addressed to relevant government bodies.
The team, consisting of 11 members, including a head coach, welfare officer, equipment manager, trainer, masseur, and six paralympic athletes, arrived in Oslo with intentions to participate in the marathon. However, they did not show up for the event, prompting a search operation. One of the athletes, Nana Antwi, was apprehended while attempting to travel from Norway to Sweden by train.
In a tragic turn of events, the team’s head coach, George Gyasi Gyamfi, collapsed and was admitted to Oslo University Hospital on April 28, 2024. Despite medical efforts, he passed away on May 17, 2024. The remaining team members, including the welfare officer, equipment manager, and athletes, remain unaccounted for.
Efforts to locate the missing athletes involve collaboration between the European Border Control Coast Guard Agency, the Norwegian Embassy in Accra, and Ghanaian officials. Samson Deen, President of the National Paralympic Committee (NPC) Ghana, has refuted claims of authorizing the team’s travel to Norway, stating that his signature on visa documents was forged.
Deen emphasized that neither the Ghana Paralympic Team nor the NPC-Ghana applied for visas for the Oslo event. He urged the public to understand the distinction between the legitimate Ghanaian Paralympic athletes and those involved in the unauthorized trip. The search for the missing athletes continues, with authorities committed to resolving the situation.
As the investigation unfolds, the incident underscores the challenges and risks faced by sports teams traveling internationally for competitions. The case also highlights the importance of stringent verification processes in visa applications to prevent unauthorized travels.
The tragedy involving the Ghanaian paralympic team sheds light on the complexities and responsibilities associated with organizing and overseeing international athletic events. The loss of the head coach and the disappearance of team members serve as poignant reminders of the uncertainties that can arise in the world of competitive sports.
The situation has sparked discussions on the need for enhanced security measures and oversight in sports delegations’ travel arrangements. The incident serves as a cautionary tale for sports organizations and governing bodies to ensure proper protocols and safeguards are in place to protect athletes and uphold the integrity of sporting events.
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