National athletes cry foul

Accra, June 16, GNA - Members of the National Athletics Team, are unhappy over their training and camping conditions ahead of preparations towards the impending National Athletics Championship and the World Athletics Championship.

According to the athletes, most of them struggle to move from their various houses for training at the El Wak Stadium each day without any form of honorarium.


Cyril Ferguson, a member of the team who spoke to the GNA Sports on behalf of his colleagues noted that, in cases where they are provided with a means of transport, it is usually inadequate. Ferguson stated that members of the team are yet to receive per diems and other monetary benefits after their return from an invitational tournament in Benin recently with over 15 medals. "What we received was a meager GHC 10.00 each on our return from Benin and this is unfair to us", he stated.


The member said the training and camping conditions are not conducive for preparations towards international games, adding that they lack basic kits to enhance their training.


Ferguson compared training and camping conditions with the Black Stars and added that it was clear there was an act of discrimination. "We are not asking for equal treatment to that of the Black Stars but if we are given a quarter of what is offered them, we can go far and bring more laurels to the nation." He lamented. Ferguson however assured that they are bent on making a significant impact at the National Championship as well as the World Athletics Championship in Berlin, Germany but will require adequate financial support to achieve their goal and to succeed.


He therefore appealed to the National Sports Council (NSC) and the Ministry of Youth and Sports to come to their aid.

Sandy Osei Agyeman, Chairman of the Ghana Athletics Association (GAA) told the GNA Sports that the concerns of the athletes are true but that he inadequacies were due to lack of resources.


He said there is no firm commitment from the authorities for the release of funds to enable them to implement their programmes hence the plight of the athletes.


According to the Chairman, plans are in place to improve the training and camping conditions of the athletes but they have remained on paper due to bureaucratic structures.


He, however, expressed the hope that the financial situation of the Association will improve to enable them see to the needs of the athletes on time.