The Ministry of Sports and Recreation has issued an official statement addressing concerns raised by Athlete Abdul-Rasheed Saminu surrounding the travel and preparation arrangements for Ghana’s men’s 4x100m relay team ahead of the World Athletics Relays held in Gaborone, Botswana.
The clarification follows public comments made by Benjamin Azamati and Abdul-Rasheed Saminu of the relay team, as well as a statement released by the Ghana Athletics Association (GAA), regarding logistical preparations leading up to the competition.
The Ministry emphasized that arrival timelines and competition preparation schedules for international events are determined by federation engagements and established international competition protocols, and not directly by the Ministry itself.
According to the Ministry, its responsibility begins after receiving recommendations from the National Sports Authority and the relevant sports federation. At that stage, it facilitates the procurement of travel arrangements in line with the approved competition schedule submitted by the federation.
Addressing the specific case of the World Athletics Relays, the Ministry stated firmly that it did not alter or vary the travel schedule presented by the Ghana Athletics Association for the team’s participation in Botswana.
The Ministry wishes to state clearly that arrival timelines and competition preparation schedules are determined by federation engagements and international competition protocols, and not by the Ministry,” the statement noted.
The Ministry further reaffirmed its commitment to supporting all national teams within established administrative procedures. It also pledged continued collaboration with the National Sports Authority and all sports federations to improve coordination and ensure better preparation conditions for athletes representing Ghana on the international stage.
Despite the concerns raised, the Ministry commended the men’s 4x100m relay team for their impressive performance at the World Athletics Relays and congratulated them on securing qualification for the 2027 World Athletics Championships in Beijing, China.