Ghana is investigating a group of 11 individuals who allegedly posed as para-athletes and support staff to secure visas for a trip to Norway. The group reportedly disappeared during their visit.
They claimed to be participating in the Bergen City Marathon on April 26 but never registered for the event. Ghana’s National Paralympic Committee (NPC Ghana) stated that the team was unknown to them and did not represent the organization in any capacity. NPC Ghana labeled this as a case of “impersonation and misrepresentation” by “imposters.”
NPC Ghana further alleged that the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Accra issued the visas based on forged documents. Two individuals from a disability foundation are accused of facilitating the trip. They have been indefinitely banned from disability sports in Ghana and reported to the police.
The two individuals did not respond to requests for comment. Ghana’s Ministry of Youth and Sports is collaborating with relevant authorities to investigate the matter. They promised to impose necessary sanctions on all parties found guilty.
The Royal Norwegian Embassy in Ghana and Norway’s National Police Immigration Service declined to comment on individual cases due to confidentiality. However, NPC Ghana assured the public that they are cooperating with the country’s security agencies to uncover the truth.
NPC Ghana confirmed that this incident will not impact Ghanaian para-athletes’ participation in the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. No members of the Paralympic team, licensed athletes, officials, or volunteers are involved in the alleged fraud.
The Ministry of Youth and Sports urged embassies and consulates in Ghana to verify visa requests for sporting events before granting travel documents.
