Para-athletes Norway scandal: ‘my signature was forged’ –Samson Deen

The President of the National Paralympic Committee (NPC), Samson Deen, has denied claims that he authorized Ghanaian para-athletes to travel to Norway for the Bergren Marathon this year. Reports surfaced that nine out of an 11-member team went missing upon arrival in Oslo for the event.

According to a statement from the Ministry of National Security addressed to the Ministries of Youth and Sports, and Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, para-athlete Nana Antwi has been detained by Norwegian authorities.

Deen, however, has stated that he has no knowledge of the individuals mentioned in the statement and has accused Theodore Mawuli Viwotor, former Secretary General of the Ghana Paralympic Football Association, and Ernest Ayisi, the founder of the Ernestay Foundation, of forging his signature on the visa application letter used by the alleged representatives.

Deen explained to Joy Sports that the letter from the Ministry of Sports was confirmed to be forged when they checked it. He stated that his signature was forged on the letter and visas were applied for individuals who are not affiliated with the Ghana Paralympic Team.

Furthermore, he clarified that the two remaining individuals involved have been suspended from anything related to Paralympic Sports in the country.

Tragically, George Gyamfi Gyasi, the team’s coach, passed away shortly after collapsing on April 28, 2024, and was admitted to Oslo University Hospital (ULEVAL).

In response to this incident, the National Paralympic Committee of Ghana has imposed an indefinite suspension on Theodore Mawuli Viwotor, Yaw Ayisi, and the Ernestay Foundation for their roles in the matter.