Sports Ministry upholds withdrawal of recognition for Swimming Association
The Ministry of Sports and Recreation has reaffirmed the withdrawal of recognition of the Ghana Swimming Association (GSA), insisting that the directive issued by the National Sports Authority (NSA) remains lawful and in full effect.
In an official statement, the Ministry said it had taken note of recent communications from the erstwhile leadership of the GSA, including notices regarding a proposed virtual elective congress scheduled for 2 May 2026, as well as the selection of athletes for upcoming international competitions.
However, the Ministry stressed that it had also received multiple petitions from swimming clubs and key stakeholders within the sport, calling for free, fair and constitutionally guided elections to restore order within the association.
Reiterating its position, the Ministry outlined several key directives, including that the withdrawal of recognition remains valid and has not been rescinded. It further stated that neither the Ministry nor the NSA will recognise any outcomes from a congress organised in violation of the GSA’s constitution and prior consultations.
The statement also made it clear that the GSA and its executive council are not authorised to represent Ghana in any aquatic competition, locally or internationally, nor are they permitted to oversee the selection of national athletes, including for the upcoming African Aquatics Championships.
On governance concerns, the Ministry expressed support for calls by the NSA for full accountability from the former leadership, including audited financial records, which the GSA claims have already been submitted to World Aquatics.
To restore stability, the Ministry said it has engaged World Aquatics to facilitate the appointment of a Stabilization Committee to oversee the management of aquatics in Ghana and supervise the conduct of credible elections in line with constitutional provisions and good governance principles.
It added that, should World Aquatics fail to act, the NSA would move to establish an interim committee to ensure continuity and safeguard the interests of athletes and the wider swimming community in Ghana.