Sports Ministry petitions Wheelchair Basketball Team to withdraw from tournament

In a surprising revelation, Basketballghana.com has learnt Ghana’s Ministry of Youth and Sports has requested the country’s Male Wheelchair Basketball Team to withdraw from the upcoming African qualifiers.

The Black Chariots are in line to qualify for the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF) World Cup to be held in Germany in 2018. Ghana will compete in South Africa from November 18 to November 28 for Africa’s sole slot at the World Championship next year with the likes of Angola, Egypt and Nigeria.

However, the West African country’s Ministry of Sports has asked Ghana’s Wheelchair Basketball Federation to withdraw from the continental tourney due to financial challenges.

The nation’s Sports Ministry has been at the epicenter of chronic financial shortages for several years highlighted by past appointees.

Black Chariots financial estimation for the team’s trip to South Africa is $10,700. Accomodation, feeding, internal transportation cost and delays in payment for 17 members of the entourage will be covered by the budget.

Should Ghana fail to honor the tournament next month, the nation risks a $10,000 penalty and ban from future IWBF competition’s.

The National Male Team is made up of players selected during this year’s National Unity Games won by Brong Ahafo Region.