Paralympic Visa Scandal: Two Members Suspended

The National Paralympic Committee of Ghana (NPC Ghana) has indefinitely suspended two committee members, Mr. Theodore Mawuli Viwotor, former Secretary-General of the Ghana Paralympic Football Association, and Mr. Ernest Yaw Ayisi, along with his NGO, Ernestay Foundation, over a scandal involving the Oslo Paralympic team and other illegal activities.

In a letter dated July 19, 2024, NPC Ghana makes shocking revelations of actions leading to their suspension.

The committee cited unwarranted letters to Embassies in Ghana requesting visas for purported para-athletes and officials, falsification of NPC Ghana letterhead, and forging the NPC President’s signature and stamp for illegal operations.

A key incident involved the French Embassy, which reported that three sportsmen—Affum Bernard, Ackah Nwonzah Francis, and Mensah Fredina—were issued visas for a Paralympic competition in France in December 2021 but failed to report back as required. Despite multiple attempts by the embassy to contact the athletes, they did not respond.

“Despite this trust service in issuing a visa, we called them several times after this date and spoke to Mr. Bernard Afum. This embassy has made numerous attempts to contact all athletes, but they have yet to report back,” the French Embassy noted.

Additionally, NPC Ghana received a verification note from the British High Commission regarding a visa request letter dated May 4, 2024, signed by Mr. Viwotor, requesting assistance for para-athletes to participate in the Waterside Half Marathon in Derry, UK.

Further investigation revealed a forged letter from the Ministry of National Security concerning the Ghana Paralympic team’s absconding in Oslo, with a forged NPC-Ghana letterhead and the NPC President’s signature.

“The Ministry of National Security letter, titled ‘Ghana Paralympic Team Absconds Upon Arrival in Oslo,’ showed a letter dated March 6, 2024, signed by Mr. Theodore M.K. Viwotor as General Secretary, requesting visas for some purported para-athletes and officials to Norway to participate in the Bergen City Marathon,” the NPC Ghana stated.

The letter detailed how the activities, orchestrated by Mr. Viwotor and Mr. Ayisi, led to severe consequences, including the loss of life and an alert across Schengen and Western Diplomatic Missions to apprehend the absconding team members. These actions not only brought disrepute to the Paralympic Movement in Ghana but also caused international embarrassment and endangered future participation opportunities for genuine athletes and officials.

“Your unjustified and illicit activities have not only put the Paralympic Movement in Ghana into disrepute but also caused the country international embarrassment, as well as endangering the chances of genuine and innocent athletes and officials to attend future events,” NPC Ghana emphasized.

The suspension prohibits Mr. Viwotor and Mr. Ayisi from participating in any NPC activities or representing the Paralympic Movement in any capacity. The NPC Ghana emphasized its commitment to upholding integrity and professionalism within para-sports.

“We hope that this suspension serves as a wake-up call and an opportunity for sober reflection on your actions,” NPC Ghana noted.

Samson Deen, President of NPC Ghana and Africa Paralympic Committee, reiterated, “The National Paralympic Committee takes these matters very seriously and cannot condone such behaviors that undermine the integrity and reputation of our organization and the Paralympic Movement as a whole.”

Addressing the controversy surrounding the alleged Paralympic team’s participation and subsequent issues of dissapearance in Norway, Deen clarified that neither he nor NPC Ghana had applied for visas or endorsed any travel for the event.

“We want to clarify that the Ghana Paralympic Team did not apply for a visa, and I did not sign any letter on behalf of the team for the Norwegian Embassy. The documents circulating in the media with my signature were forged,” Deen stated firmly during a press briefing.

The Ministry of National Security had earlier reported the apprehension of a para-athlete, Nana Antwi, in Norway, sparking a wave of concern and confusion regarding the team’s purported representation at the marathon.

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