By Kwame Bediako
Ghana’s Ministry of Sports and Recreation has distanced itself from the travel‑schedule complaints surrounding the men’s 4×100m relay team, clarifying that it did not decide the team’s flight and competition timings ahead of the World Athletics Relays in Botswana.
In a statement issued on May 4, 2026, the Ministry stressed that arrival timelines and preparation schedules are set by the relevant sports federations and international competition protocols, not by the Ministry itself.
Who sets the schedule?
The Ministry stated that competition logistics are determined by federation planning and the rules set by World Athletics, while the sports ministry’s role is mainly to facilitate travel arrangements based on recommendations from the National Sports Authority and the Ghana Athletics Association.
The ministry said it did not alter or change the travel plan submitted by Ghana Athletics, and that it works within an established administrative and funding framework when supporting national teams.
Relay team’s earlier concerns
Athletes in the relay squad, including sprinter Abdul‑Rasheed Saminu, had earlier criticised the travel arrangements, revealing a 14‑hour flight plus a 16‑hour layover that left little time for proper recovery ahead of the race. The team argued that the journey hampered their readiness but still managed to qualify for the 2027 World Athletics Championships in Beijing with a 38.09‑second run.
Ghana Athletics accepts responsibility
The Ministry’s clarification comes on the heels of a separate statement from Ghana Athletics, in which the federation accepted full responsibility for the travel and pre‑competition challenges faced by the men’s 4×100m team. Ghana Athletics acknowledged the conditions under which the squad had to prepare and pledged to review planning processes to avoid similar issues in future international assignments.
Ultimately, both the Ministry and the federation have committed to improving coordination with the National Sports Authority to ensure athletes receive better logistical support on the road.
