Paralympic Visa Scandal: I didn’t forge any letter, it came from Samson Deen’s office - Ernest Ayisi

Ernest Ayisi, the founder of the Ernestray Foundation, has denied accusations of forging documents and the signature of the Paralympic Committee Chairman (NPC), Samson Deen, which led to the Visa scandal in Norway.

He clarified that when the Embassy requested a letter from the NPC for Visa approval, a team member named Atongo handled the documentation.

Ayisi stated that although his agency was part of the trip, he was unaware of any fraudulent activities related to the Norway trip.

He mentioned that after explaining his side to Deen, his explanation was not accepted. However, Ayisi stressed that the forged documents originated from Deen’s office.

“They [Norwegian Embassy in Accra] refused [the visa]. They demanded a different letter for the visa to be granted. Atongo [a team member] said he could obtain a letter [from NPC], which I did not see until they were about to travel. Deen [President of NPC] called me and Theo [former Secretary General of the Ghana Paralympic Football Association] for a conference call where we explained what happened and that Atongo had traveled with the team.

"My name is not on the list. I would have included my family if I wanted them to abscond. How can I forge a signature? I am illiterate. I explained to Deen, but he was adamant. The letter was from his office. Are people not working there? So why is he accusing me of forging his signature? Ghanaians, I haven’t done it,” he explained during an interview with Asempa FM.

Meanwhile, Deen has firmly denied signing any letter seeking visa assistance from the Norwegian Embassy for the competition.

In an exclusive interview with Joy Sports, Deen identified Theodore Mawuli Viwotor, former Secretary General of the Ghana Paralympic Football Association, and Ernest Ayisi as responsible for the forgery.

The National Paralympic Committee has indefinitely suspended Mr. Theodore Mawuli Viwotor, Mr. Yaw Ayisi, and the Ernestay Foundation due to their alleged involvement in the incident.

SB/OGB