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Ghana Athletics (GA), the governing body for track and field in Ghana, has suspended two officials, Wisdom Loh and Jeffery Nkrumah, from all GA-related activities with immediate effect.
The suspension comes as part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of misconduct that could have serious implications for the integrity of athletics governance in the country.
In a press statement issued over the weekend, the association announced: “Ghana Athletics (GA), the institution recognized by World Athletics (WA) and the Government of Ghana to organize Athletics (Track and Field) in Ghana, has suspended Mr. Wisdom Loh and Mr. Jeffery Nkrumah with immediate effect.”
The individuals are accused of “undermining the authority of GA and bringing into disrepute GA,” a breach said to contravene “the spirit of the World Athletics Code of Conduct (Article 3.3.17 of the WA Integrity Code of Conduct [in force from 1 November 2019]).”
The statement further indicated that the scope of the investigation includes potential abuse and exploitation of athletes, both in Ghana and abroad:
“The investigation is also interrogating whether their actions have directly or indirectly facilitated the exploitation of athletes whether based in Ghana, and/or foreign-based Ghanaian athletes.”
GA has made it clear that during the investigation period, both individuals are prohibited from any form of participation or representation in the sport.
“They are consequently barred from all GA-related activities, personnel interactions, and athlete engagements,” the release emphasized.
Furthermore, “they are… notified to cease and desist from presenting themselves, in any setting, as representatives of Ghana Athletics and/or as licensed representatives of athletes from Ghana.”
Ghana Athletics has also issued a stern warning to all stakeholders within the sport regarding interactions with the suspended officials.
“Any Ghanaian athlete, coach, official, or personnel who continue to deal with Mr. Loh and Mr. Nkrumah in matters regarding Ghana Athletics… will be considered as an accomplice and may be sanctioned by GA,” the statement warned.
The potential penalties could be severe: “Such sanctions may include, but are not limited to, prohibition from participating in any GA-related activities.”
This development marks a rare but decisive move by Ghana Athletics, as it seeks to reinforce accountability and protect the rights and reputations of athletes under its jurisdiction.
While specific details of the alleged misconduct have not been made public, the invocation of the World Athletics Integrity Code of Conduct suggests that the allegations are being treated with utmost seriousness.
–BY Daniel Bampoe
