I’m sorry, I can’t take responsibility for Norway scandal - Sports Minister

Minister of Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, has disclosed that he is not responsible for the Ghanaians who absconded after arriving in Norway for the para-sports event.

Some purported para-athletes from Ghana scheduled to participate in the Bergren Marathon in Oslo, Norway, absconded after arriving in the country in April. Tragically, one member passed away, and another was caught by Norwegian authorities while attempting to cross into Sweden.

The revelations became known after the National Security issued a statement copied to the Sports Ministry and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and National Integration.

The President of the National Paralympic Committee-Ghana, Samson Deen, declined knowledge of the games stating that his signature was forged on the letter used by these individuals to apply for visas.

At a press briefing on Tuesday, July 24, at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif claimed that his ministry cannot be liable for the scandal.

“You follow protocol by writing to the National Sports Authority and the National Sports Authority will write to the Ministry (Sports). In this case, I have just told you, that nothing of such nature happened until I even got the reportage, we didn’t know.”

“Secondly, the Norwegian authorities who issued the visas to the athletes didn’t see it prudent to even verify from the Ministry to see whether these are genuine athletes or not so to your question whether I will take responsibility, I’m sorry I can’t.”

Meanwhile, reports also indicate that family members of the Ghanaian Paralympic coach who died in Norway following the national Paralympic team’s participation in the Fjordkraft Bergen City Marathon in Oslo have also absconded after being sent to the country following his death.

JNA/NOQ