Ghanaian contingent at the just ended commonwealth games
Further to official confirmation that two athletes from the Ghana contingent to the just-ended Commonwealth Games (CG) have gone missing, Joy Sports can confirm that they were not the only ones.
A total of five athletes cannot be accounted for, according to our information.
Ruth Baffoe, a weightlifter, competed at the Games but absconded from the team camp. But two others left the Games village even before the opening ceremony, Joy Sports understands.
An official with knowledge of the matter but not authorised to comment, explains that the absence of the two was noted at a routine roll call after the team landed in Australia. The official, however, would not confirm or deny if Australian authorities were notified immediately the disappearances were noticed.
On Monday morning, a statement from the Ghana Badminton Association confirmed that two of its team members, Stella Amassah and Gifty Mensah, disappeared from the camp.
This latest information adds to the already existing international ridicule Ghana is facing due to the viral story that more than 50 persons were processed for deportation on suspicion of visa fraud and impersonation.
The reaction from the Ghanaian government has been to suspend key officials involved in the process of accrediting athletes and officials to the Games while investigations continue.
Meanwhile, the President of the Ghana Badminton Association, Evans Yeboah has indicated that two Badminton athletes who absconded at the just ended Commonwealth Games in Australia will return to Ghana by May 15, 2018.
Team Ghana returned from the 2018 Commonwealth Games last Friday without these two athletes.
“We have two of our athletes together with other contingent athletes missing a day after the competition. We had activated and adhered to the necessary protocols and had informed the necessary authorities.
“They are due to be back hopefully by May 15, which is the deadline for all the visa accreditation that they have. As at this moment, they are declared missing. Ideally, they have valid visas up to May 15.