Ghanaian authorities are investigating after several individuals posing as para-athletes and their support staff reportedly absconded during a trip to Norway.
The group of 11 allegedly obtained visas fraudulently to enter the Scandinavian country under the guise of participating in the Bergen City Marathon on April 26 but failed to register for the event.
Ghana’s National Paralympic Committee (NPC Ghana) stated that the individuals were not known to the organization and did not represent it in any capacity. NPC Ghana described the incident as a case of “impersonation and misrepresentation” by “imposters.”
The committee also claimed that the visas were obtained from the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Accra using forged documents.
NPC Ghana named two individuals from a disability foundation, accusing them of facilitating the trip. These individuals have been indefinitely barred from participating in disability sports in Ghana and reported to the police for further investigation.
The two individuals did not respond to requests for comment from BBC Sport Africa.
Ghana’s Ministry of Youth and Sports announced that it is collaborating with relevant authorities to investigate the matter and clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“Necessary sanctions would be brought to [bear] on all parties found culpable in the matter,” said a statement from the Ministry.
“It is important to note that while this incident is unfortunate, it does not define the dedication and integrity of the entire sports fraternity.”
The Royal Norwegian Embassy in Ghana told BBC Sport Africa that it does not comment on individual cases due to confidentiality.
Norway’s National Police Immigration Service, responsible for recording and returning individuals staying illegally in the country, also refrained from commenting on individual cases.
NPC Ghana stated that the matter is “already in the domain of the country’s security agencies.”
“We want to assure the public that NPC Ghana is prepared to assist the security agencies in unravelling the truth,” it added in a statement.
“All those individuals involved and behind this illicit act will be fished out and brought to face the full rigours of the law.”
NPC Ghana told BBC Sport Africa the incident will not affect the participation of Ghanaian para-athletes, officials and stakeholders at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
“No member of the Paralympic team, no licensed athlete and no official or volunteers are involved in the alleged fraudulent act,” it said.
The Ministry of Youth and Sports also urged embassies and consulates in Ghana to verify visa requests for sporting competitions before approving and granting travel documents.
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