Ghana Athletics investigates issues of sexual abuse, exploitation

The Ghana Athletics (GA) has initiated a thorough inquiry into allegations of abuse against athletes by some local coaches.
Some allegations of sexual assault have rocked the GA, with two coaches, Mr Wisdom Loh and Mr Jeffery Nkrumah, suspended from all athletics-related activities.
According to a statement made by GA, these two persons have compromised their authority, brought the association into disrepute, and hence are suspended from the sport.
“The investigation is also interrogating whether their actions have directly or indirectly facilitated the exploitation of athletes, whether based in Ghana or foreign Ghanaian athletes.
“They are, therefore, notified to cease and desist from presenting themselves, in any setting, as representatives of Ghana Athletics and/or as licensed representatives of athletes from Ghana,” the statement said.
The GA warned its members not to deal with the two individuals, as they would be considered accomplices. “As a consequence, any Ghanaian athlete, coach, official, or personnel who continues to deal with Mr Loh and Mr Nkrumah in matters regarding Ghana Athletics and matters regarding any of the objectives of GA, until the final disposition of the matter, will be considered an accomplice and may be sanctioned by GA, and such sanctions may include, but are not limited to, prohibition from participating in any GA-related activities,” the statement added.
The GA added that these alleged safeguarding violations represent a breach of both national and international laws and standards as well as the human rights of affected athletes.