Team Ghana Stranded In Congo

Ghana's contingent of about 400 athletes and officials for this year's All African Games are stranded in Congo Brazzaville, DAILY GUIDE SPORTS understands.

Reports indicated that the contingent left Accra last Sunday on a chartered flight but had no place to lay their heads on arrival at 2:00am yesterday.

It emerged that Ghana's failure to meet some financial obligations at the Games Village accounted for the mishap.

The second batch of athletes arrived yesterday at press time yesterday, and indications were that a crisis meeting was ongoing to resolve the matter.

A frustrated member of the contingent revealed via telephone that 'we have been here since 2:00am but we have no place to keep our luggage, let alone wash down and lay our heads down.

'We are the only country left outside. The officials here insist we pay before they allow us entry. I think they are demanding the affiliation fee or whatever they call it.

'It's rather unfortunate we have to go through this embarrassing situation. I am worried more about the ladies among us; they need to wash down and all that. It's time for breakfast but as to whether we will be allowed to take part is also another headache.'

Exactly four years ago in Maputo, a similar incident cropped up, necessitating the formation of a committee to delve into the matter. Ironically however, its recommendations had gathered dust plunging Ghana's athletes into another unfortunate situation.

Congo would be hosting the continent in a sports festival from September 4 to 19.

By Kofi Owusu Aduonum