Ghanaian weightlifter threatens suicide over unpaid per diems

weight lifting

Accra, Aug 19, GNA - Ghana's Weightlifter Juliana Arko, has threatened to commit suicide if officials at the 2014 Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing China fail to pay her per diems.

Arko, who has in recent times been the nation's weightlifting sensation was among Ghana's representatives at the Games.

Information gathered by the GNA Sports reveals that, the 17 year old Weightlifter, reported officials of Ghana to the Local Organising Committee (LOC) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) over unpaid per diems and her decision to commit suicide.

The Weightlifter according to the information, had over the years being denied per diems after several competitions and was entertaining similar fears at the Games hence the threat.

Arko, who won the 2013 Weightlifter of the year, has given officials up to August 25 to pay up, or she will carry out her threat.

Mr. Arko Dadzie, Chef D' Mission of Ghana at the Games, said the LOC and the IOC have referred the matter to them and requested that, the weightlifter was put on observation.

He however noted that, the IOC has directed that the issue should be handled internally.

Mr. Arkoh said, they have written to the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the National Sports Authority and the Ghana Olympic Committee to facilitate the per diem for athletes at the Games.

GNA