The Minority Caucus in Parliament has called on the government to account for what it describes as serious welfare and administrative failures affecting Ghana’s contingent at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
In a statement signed by the Ranking Member of the Parliamentary Committee on Youth and Sports, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, the Minority said reports from athletes and officials raised concerns about travel arrangements, accommodation, equipment, financial entitlements and general welfare.
According to the Minority, some members of the Ghanaian contingent received airline tickets late, while others allegedly had issues with luggage allowances or could not locate their tickets.
Some athletes were reportedly forced to abandon scheduled flights or find alternative means of transportation.
The statement also alleged that some competition kits arrived late, with athletes receiving them only after completing their events. Others were said to have relied on personal funds or private sponsorship to obtain equipment.
The Minority further raised concerns about the failure to communicate per diem and medal bonus arrangements to athletes before their departure.
It also questioned the accommodation and supervision arrangements for the contingent, claiming that most officials were housed at one hotel while athletes stayed elsewhere.
Particular concern was expressed over the reported treatment of a para athlete who was allegedly checked out of his hotel shortly after competing, without receiving his per diem, and taken to the airport several hours before his scheduled flight.
The Minority linked the concerns to complaints previously raised by members of the Black Queens over outstanding bonuses, unpaid per diems and inadequate welfare support.
It has therefore demanded a comprehensive explanation from the Ministry of Sports and Recreation on the management of the Commonwealth Games contingent.
The caucus is also calling for the immediate payment of outstanding financial entitlements, disclosure of the budget and expenditure for Ghana’s participation, and an independent investigation into the reported incidents.
Additionally, the Minority wants the Sports Minister to brief Parliament and establish a clear welfare protocol covering travel, accommodation, equipment, medical care, mental health and financial support for national teams.
The Minority stressed that Ghanaian athletes who represent the country deserve proper preparation, protection, transparency and respect.
