Ghana suspends minister, officials over Commonwealth athletes’ scam

GHANA, APRIL 12, 2018 – The President of Ghana, Mr. Nana Addo Akufo-Addo, has suspended the deputy youth and sports minister, Mr. Pius Hadzie, with immediate effect over the Commonwealth athletes’ scam.

A statement released on Thursday by Mr. Mr. Eugine Arhin, Director of Communication, said that also suspended is the Acting Director General of the National Sports Authority, Mr. Robert Mensah.

The decision to suspend the officers followed the preliminary investigations to the circumstances that led to the arrest of 60 Ghanaians who had allegedly attempted to enter Australia by false presences in the ongoing 21st Commonwealth Games.

The President of Ghana Olympic Committee, Mr. Ben Mensah and the Board Chairman of the National Sports Authority, Mr. Kwadwo Agyeman, have also been recalled from the Games.

Also recalled is the Chef-de-Maison for 2018 Commonwealth Games, Mr. Mohammed Sahnoon.

They were recalled to assist investigation currently being undertaken by the Criminal Investigative Department of the Police Service.

“Two Ghana Olympic Committee Officials, Christina Ashley (Gen Sec of Ghana Volleyball), and Hussein Addy (Gen Sec of Weightlifting), sacked for their alleged involvement in visa connections. Two currently in Australia and may face interrogation.”