President of the National Paralympic Committee of Ghana and the African Paralympic Committee, Samson Deen, has appealed to the media and the Ghanaian public to exercise restraint in discussing the ongoing World Cup visa controversy, warning that continued negative publicity could damage the country’s sporting reputation.
Deen, who also chairs the Resource Mobilisation and Partnership Committee of the National Sports Authority (NSA), said the controversy is affecting sports administrators and creating an unfavourable impression of Ghana in the international sporting community.
Speaking in an interview with the media, he acknowledged that the issues surrounding the alleged visa scandal had become a source of concern for some Ghanaian sports stakeholders, particularly those who regularly engage with international sporting organisations and officials.
He argued that the negative reports are exposing Ghanaian sports administrators to uncomfortable questions during international engagements, potentially undermining the country’s reputation among its peers.
“I will urge you, the media, and appeal to your conscience that please, let us stop discussing these things that happen in the World Cup. It is hurting some of us,” Deen said.
He explained that Ghanaian representatives participating in international sporting activities were increasingly being confronted with questions about developments in the country, including allegations surrounding the visa controversy.
According to him, such discussions could affect how other countries perceive Ghana and its sports administration, particularly when the country has ambitions of strengthening its presence and influence in international sports.
Deen acknowledged that sports administrators are not beyond criticism and conceded that challenges could arise within sports management.
However, he urged stakeholders to consider addressing such matters through appropriate internal channels rather than allowing every dispute or controversy to dominate public discussions.
He cautioned that the continued public airing of sensitive issues within the sports sector could have far-reaching consequences for the development of sports in Ghana.
“We are not 100 per cent as sports administrators, and if issues come up, we should find a way to discuss them behind the cameras. But if we decide to be doing it as we are doing, our sports will be destroyed,” he stated.
He suggested that a more measured approach to communicating concerns within the sports sector could help protect the reputation of Ghanaian sports while allowing the relevant authorities to address allegations and administrative shortcomings.
His comments come amid public discussion of an alleged visa scandal connected to Ghana’s World Cup participation, which has drawn attention to sports administration and the management of international sporting engagements.
The African Paralympic Committee president also expressed concern that the controversy could discourage parents from encouraging their children to pursue sporting careers.
He maintained that sports development depend not only on the performance of athletes but also on public confidence in the institutions and individuals responsible for managing the sector.
According to him, sustained negative publicity could weaken confidence in sports and undermine efforts to attract young people to various sporting disciplines.
Deen stressed that athletes required encouragement and support to develop their talents and represent Ghana at international competitions.
He also pointed to the difficulties journalists could face while covering sporting activities, suggesting that challenges surrounding sports administration and information management could affect the broader sporting environment.
“The product that you promote is sports, and it is beautiful that we get athletes and players in this country to go and perform for you to be able to cover,” he said.
He added that the situation calls for greater cooperation among sports administrators, athletes, journalists and other stakeholders to ensure that Ghanaian sports continued to attract public interest and international recognition.
Deen further appealed to journalists to balance their coverage of controversies with stories highlighting the achievements, potential and development of Ghanaian athletes.
He argued that Ghana has the potential to strengthen its standing in international sports and called for a collective effort to present the country’s sporting sector in a manner that attracts partnerships, investment and opportunities for athletes.
He said his long-standing advocacy had been for sports stakeholders to work together to improve the organisation and presentation of sports in Ghana.
According to him, a collaborative approach would help the country showcase its sporting achievements to the international community while addressing challenges confronting the sector.
“People might have done it against me, but I don’t think I should do it against anybody. That is why you have seen that, for many years now, I have been preaching that we should all come together and see how best we can package our sports in this country for the world to see,” he said.
He urged journalists to remain committed to promoting sports and supporting efforts to improve the sector.
“Please, my colleagues, journalist friends, let’s try as much as we can and promote sports. Negativity will not help us,” Deen added.
Deen’s appeal comes as public attention remains focused on the alleged visa scandal associated with Ghana’s World Cup participation.
The controversy has renewed discussions about the management of international sporting engagements and the responsibilities of sports administrators.
While Deen has called for restraint in public commentary, his remarks also highlight broader questions about how sports authorities should respond to allegations of administrative failures and how such matters can be addressed without undermining confidence in Ghanaian sports.
His position places emphasis on protecting the country’s sporting image and encouraging collaboration among stakeholders.
However, the call for restraint also comes amid the media’s responsibility to scrutinise public institutions, report matters of public interest and seek accountability where allegations of wrongdoing arise.
The challenge, therefore, remains how sports authorities and the media can work towards the development of Ghanaian sports while ensuring that legitimate concerns about administration and accountability receive appropriate attention.
By 1960news.com
