Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif has slammed the Cycling Federation for the equipment challenges faced by athletes at the ongoing 2023 African Games.
National champion Michael Naaba withdrew from the cycling competition due to a faulty bicycle.
Naaba’s race came to an abrupt halt as the tube connected to his bike exploded, with no spare bicycle available for him to continue.
This incident, along with other challenges faced by Ghanaian cyclists, has drawn criticism towards the Sports Ministry and the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the African Games.
Female cyclist Abigail Tetteh also drew attention to the challenges faced by athletes at the 2023 African Games after expressing her disappointment with the lack of support from authorities in a post-race interview.
Tetteh and three other Ghanaian cyclists were unable to complete the women’s race due to inadequate equipment.
In response the Sports Minister clarified that the Ministry and the LOC were not responsible for the issues encountered.
He revealed that the federations were required to submit their equipment requirements, and the Ministry procured the necessary items accordingly.
However, Ussif did not mince words as he criticized the Cycling Federation, emphasizing that it was their responsibility to submit accurate lists of requirements.
The Sports Minister has laid blame on the cycling federation for athletes complaining about the usage of old bicycles.
Earlier this week, Ghana's cycling champion Michael Naaba had to withdraw due to a faulty bicycle.#3SportsGH #Accra2023 pic.twitter.com/uD2GVfDmWH
— #3Sports (@3SportsGh) March 11, 2024
He stated, “If you’re the Cycling Federation, and you knew that you needed fiber-made bicycles and not aluminum bicycles, it is your responsibility to submit your list to us, and we will get them. If we cannot get all, we will buy.”
Sports Minister says the Cycling Federation didn't do their duty by submitting the list they need to work.
On Sunday, Michael Naaba had to withdraw from a cycling race due to using a faulty bicycle 🤯#3SportsGH pic.twitter.com/YQ0hYUxOBX
— #3Sports (@3SportsGh) March 11, 2024
Contrary to the Minister’s claims, some Ghanaian cyclists have asserted that they competed with their own bikes, bearing the financial burden themselves.
As the controversy unfolds, questions persist about the overall management and coordination between federations and the organizing bodies, raising concerns about the welfare and preparedness of athletes participating in the 2023 African Games hosted by Ghana.
Team Ghana amidst the challenges has managed to secure four medals so far thanks to the heroics of weightlifter Winnifred Ntumi and Abeiku Jackson, Ghana’s swimming captain.