The Ranking Member on Parliament’s Select Committee on Youth and Sports, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, has strongly criticised the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, over what he says is unlawful interference in the affairs of the Ghana Swimming Association (GSA).
In a statement posted on his Facebook page on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, Assafuah expressed concern over the Ministry’s decision to withdraw recognition from the GSA.
He warned that the move could tarnish Ghana’s reputation in the international sports community and violate globally accepted standards for sports governance.
According to him, the issue has already drawn international attention after a response from World Aquatics reportedly confirmed that the Ghana Swimming Association remains the only officially recognised swimming federation in the country.
He said, “The recent actions by the Minister for Sports and Recreation regarding the withdrawal of recognition of the Ghana Swimming Association raise serious concerns about bad governance, executive overreach, and unlawful interference in the administration of sports in Ghana”.
Assafuah further warned that continued political interference in the association’s operations could create uncertainty for Ghanaian swimmers.
He noted that such actions could also expose athletes to sanctions and possible exclusion from major international competitions, including Olympic qualification events.
He therefore called on Sports Minister Kofi Adams to reverse the decision immediately and allow the association to function independently without external control.
“The focus must be on protecting athletes, preserving Ghana’s international reputation, and respecting the autonomy of sporting institutions,” he added.
