National Federations threaten to withdraw from 2015 All Africa Games?

Ghana might for the first time in its history not have national teams to represent it in sports disciplines other than football at the 2015 All African Games in Congo-Brazzaville in September.

Addressing a press conference in Accra today, National Federations (NF’s), apart from football, set a 15th May deadline for the Ministry of Youth and Sports to release funds for their preparation towards the 2015 All Africa Games or risk the inevitable.

In a five-page letter to the Minister of Youth and Sports, signed by about 30 National Federation Presidents, the Federations asked the Minister to ensure that adequate funds are promptly released for preparation of athletes and for qualifying competitions.

Unlike the football federation, the other sporting disciplines numbering have received NO funding from the Ministry of Youth and Sports since 2012.

The situation has assumed a worrying dimension in recent times after the National Handball team failed to qualify for the All Africa Games following their late arrival for a qualifier in Niger recently.

The letter from the NF’s to the Minister stated: “We hope our concerns will be addressed as quickly as possible! Otherwise Ghana may encounter a situation where for the first time in the history of the All Africa Games, we may not have national teams to represent Ghana in sports disciplines other than football.

“We therefore request, that if the other sports disciplines are to participate in the All Africa Games, then as a matter of urgency the Ministry of Sports should take immediate steps to release money to the federations by the 15th May 2015 to enable federations prepare adequately for the All Africa Games.

The NF’s insisted that there might be no future for Ghana sports if the Ministry of Sports does not take urgent steps to address it concerns.

“Aside from the immediate concern of the All Africa Games, there are serious challenges that we must resolve otherwise very soon there will be no sports in Ghana. If we do not want sports to completely collapse in this country then the Ministry of Sports must look at the concerns we have raised so that permanent solutions can be found. We cannot deceive ourselves that all is fine and continue to do the same old things and hope to get different results.”

The letter to the Minister gave credence to President Mahama’s State of the Address where he said, government will this year put a desirable focus on other sporting disciplines other than football in order to contribute to their growth and the winning of more international medals and competitions”

The National Federations also supported their cause by quoting Article 37 clause (5) of the 1992 Constitution to prove that it is the duty of the State to fund sports: “The state shall ensure that adequate facilities for sports are provided throughout Ghana and that sports are promoted as a means of fostering national integration, health and self-discipline as well as international friendship and understanding”

The various NF Presidents were adamant that: “Over the last three (3) years, apart from the Ghana Football Association, NO national sports federations have received any funds from government. Rather, Federations have been asked to raise money from corporate sponsors. This is regardless of the fact that, all national teams, including football, are entitled to support from the State.”

It remains to be seen what the reaction of the Ministry of Youth and Sports will be to the latest development, having spent over half of its budgetary allocation on football already.