Press Statement: Ghana Weightlifting Federation condemns Juliana Arko

The Ghana Weightlifting Federation (GWF), has condemn the conduct of weightlifter Juliana Arko, who reported to officials of Ghana to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) over unpaid per diems and subsequently threatened to commit suicide.

A statement from the GWF, said “we condemn Julies action in the strongest term and disassociate itself from the conduct of the weightlifter in China”.

The statement said, the GWF was aware of per diems and benefits due athletes during international competitions, but the general lack of funding for all sporting disciplines apart from football has been a major headache for all the federations.

It however stated that, the Federation shall not condone with any action by an athlete whose conduct sought to embarrass the nation at any international event.

According to the statement, the conduct of Arko, was a disgrace to Ghana at the competition, hence the needed condemnation.

Arko, it would be recalled she threatened to commit suicide if her per diems were not paid and reported Ghana to the IOC.

The Weightlifter, has in recent times, been the nations sensation in weightlifting winning laurels at the last Africa Weightlifting Championship. Story by Ghana/Myjoyonline/Tony Bebli