GHANA GAMES UPROAR
WHAT began as one of the first feel-good stories of the Games – how two locals are helping train Ghana’s road cyclists – has escalated into an international diplomatic row.
The Bulletin’s report this week about how GC Bike Fit owner Peter Spencer was working closely with the Ghanaians in their Games build-up has exploded back in their African homeland.
Claims the cyclists were poorly equipped sparked political upheaval and demands for an apology – but the Bulletin and Ghana have made peace after meeting yesterday.
WHAT began as a feel-good story of the Commonwealth Games – how two locals are helping train Ghana’s road cyclists – has escalated into an international diplomatic row.
A Bulletin story this week on how GC Bike Fit owner Peter Spencer was working closely with the Ghanaians in their Games build-up has exploded politically back in their African homeland.
Claims the cyclists were poorly equipped and the team was “skint” sparked political upheaval and yesterday prompted team bosses to demand an apology – but the Bulletin and Ghana team management met and made peace yesterday.
The Bulletin met Ghana director general of sport Robert Sarfo-Mensah and team chef de mission Mohammed Sahnoon who outlined the story had prompted offence and outrage back home, fuelling a political row.
The original story revealed how Coast cycling enthusiasts had adopted Ghana cyclists and fundraised thousands for bike parts and upgrades via Facebook page Project Ghana Cycling.
It noted the team didn’t have a coach and the project had upgraded their bikes – but Mr Sarfo-Mensah said the team had a coach in Brazil who was en route.
Mr Sarfo-Mensah said the team had 137 in its Games party in total and had been staying at the Ramada Hotel in Hope Island prior to moving to the Athlete’s Village tomorrow.
“We are not skint. We are paying a lot to be at this hotel. Ghana, while we are a developing country, we are not skint,” he said, demanding an apology for the coverage.
“The Government of Ghana has not avoided its responsibility to ensure Ghana can participate fully in these Commonwealth Games.”
The Bulletin apologised for any unintended hurt caused by the article and noted it had been well-received locally as an example of Games spirit, generosity and co-operation.
In a letter to the Bulletin Mr Sahnoon noted Ghana was previously known as ‘Gold Coast’ prior to independence in 1957.
“We were noted for our gold reserves and therefore referred to as ‘Gold Coast’.
“Ghana has a rich culture and is not as skint as you seem to portray.”
Project Ghana Cycling’s help was laudable and the team appreciated it, he wrote.
“While we do that, we hereby wish to state it is wholly untrue Ghana cycling has no coach, manager and came with obsolete gear.”
Ghana has 72 athletes at the Games in weightlifting, para-cycling, hockey, badminton, swimming, boxing, shooting and cycling