The Ministry of Sports and Recreation has denied altering travel plans for Ghana’s men’s 4x100m relay team, stating that arrival and preparation schedules for the World Athletics Relays in Gaborone, Botswana, are set by the federation and international protocols, not the Ministry.
The clarification, issued Monday, May 4, 2026, comes after public comments from members of the relay team and a statement from the Ghana Athletics Association regarding travel and preparation arrangements.
In a release signed by Head of PR & Communication Bagbara Tanko, the Ministry said it had “taken note of recent public comments” and sought to set the record straight.
“The Ministry wishes to state clearly that arrival timelines and competition preparation schedules are determined by federation engagements and international competition protocols, and not by the Ministry,” the statement read.
The Ministry explained that its role is to “facilitate the procurement of travel arrangements in line with the approved schedule” once it receives recommendations from the National Sports Authority and the relevant federation.
“With specific reference to the World Athletics Relays, the Ministry did not vary or alter the travel schedule as submitted by the Ghana Athletics Association,” Tanko stated.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to supporting all national teams “within established procedures” and said it will continue working with the NSA and federations to “strengthen coordination and ensure optimal preparation conditions for athletes.
”Despite the row over logistics, the Ministry praised the team’s results. “We commend the team for their performance and qualification for the 2027 World Athletics Championships and wish them continued success.
The statement draws a clear line between the Ministry’s administrative role and the GAA’s technical responsibility for competition planning. The World Athletics Relays in Gaborone are a key qualifying event, and Ghana’s men’s 4x100m squad has already secured a spot at the 2027 World Athletics Championships.
