The National Sports Authority (NSA) has officially withdrawn its recognition of the Ghana Swimming Association (GSA) and its Executive Council with immediate effect, following what it describes as persistent governance and accountability failures.
The decision, which takes effect from January 7, 2026, was announced in a press release issued today by the Authority. According to the NSA, the withdrawal comes after the GSA failed to meet key administrative and constitutional obligations despite several engagements.
In the statement, the NSA explained that the action was taken due to the Association’s “failure and/or refusal to render audited accounts, comply with the requirements of its own constitution and provide satisfactory responses to issues raised by the NSA.”
As part of the directive, the NSA has also formally notified World Aquatics (WA), the international governing body for aquatic sports, of the withdrawal of recognition.
The Authority clarified that the decision strips the GSA and its Executive Council of all powers to manage aquatic sports activities, both locally and internationally. “For the avoidance of doubt, the withdrawal of recognition means that the GSA and its Executive Council… cannot oversee the activities of national competitions, selections for international competitions and conducting of aquatic sports in any manner whatsoever within and outside Ghana,” the statement noted.
Additionally, members of the GSA Executive Council have been barred from representing Ghana at any aquatics-related functions, whether at the national or international level.
However, the NSA stressed that the decision does not amount to a ban on swimming activities in the country. “The withdrawal of recognition of the GSA is not a total ban on swimming in Ghana,” the Authority emphasized, adding that swimming clubs, training programmes, and competitions not directly organised by the GSA are permitted to continue.
The NSA reaffirmed its commitment to the development of aquatic sports in Ghana, stating that it will continue to promote, organise, and support the discipline while ensuring accountability and good governance.
“The Authority is resolute that aquatic sports shall be reset to the benefit of all its stakeholders, principally our athletes and the entire good people of Ghana,” the press release concluded.
