The Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has dismissed allegations made by a South African athlete that competitors faced poor accommodation and limited food during the 24th African Senior Athletics Championships held in Accra.
Speaking to journalists after appearing before Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee on Monday, May 18, the Minister insisted that athletes were well catered for throughout the event, which took place at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium.
His response follows complaints from South African shot put athlete Aiden Smith, who claimed that participants were served restricted food portions and accommodated under unsatisfactory conditions during the six-day competition.
However, Mr. Adams rejected the claims, stressing that the Local Organising Committee ensured consistent and adequate meal provisions for all athletes.
“Food was one of the things the LOC handled very well. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner were served on time, and there was always enough food,” he said.
He further denied reports suggesting that athletes were restricted in their food choices.
“There was no provision asking athletes to survive on nine eggs. No federation informed the LOC that they were bringing athletes with special dietary needs, so no special arrangements were requested,” he explained.
According to him, concerns about the spiciness of local meals were also never officially communicated to the organisers by any participating federation.
The 24th African Senior Athletics Championships concluded on Sunday, May 17, bringing together athletes from across the continent for six days of track and field competition at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium.
