The Ministry of Sports and Recreation Ghana has officially withdrawn recognition of the Ghana Swimming Association (GSA), citing governance concerns and ongoing disputes within the sport’s administration.
In a statement dated April 30, 2026, the Ministry confirmed that the decision—initially issued by the National Sports Authority (NSA) remains valid and has not been rescinded. The move follows petitions from several swimming clubs and stakeholders calling for transparency and adherence to the GSA constitution.
The Ministry said it had been alerted to plans by the GSA to hold a virtual elective congress on May 2, as well as its announcement of swimmers selected for the upcoming African Aquatics Championships in Algeria. However, authorities insist any such actions violate established procedures and ongoing discussions with regulators.
As part of the directive, the Ministry stated that it will not recognize the outcome of any congress organized outside constitutional guidelines. It further barred the GSA and its executive members from representing Ghana in any aquatic competitions, both locally and internationally, or supervising the selection of athletes for such events.
Additionally, the Ministry has endorsed the NSA’s demand for accountability from the association, including the submission of audited financial accounts reportedly already sent to World Aquatics.
In a bid to restore order, the government has requested World Aquatics to appoint a stabilization committee to oversee Ghana’s swimming activities and facilitate free and transparent elections in line with good governance principles. Should the global body fail to respond promptly, the NSA indicated it would establish an interim committee to manage the process.
Officials say the measures are intended to protect the integrity of the sport and safeguard the future of Ghanaian swimmers.
