Black Dragons denied visa to world championships

Ghana’s hopes of winning medals has been dashed as the Royal Netherlands Embassy has refused the national boating team, the “Black Dragons” Entry Visas to participate in the on-going World Boating Championship in Hungary.

They claim the ages of the paddlers were doubtful though there were legal documents to prove their right ages.

State authorities including, the Ministry of Youth and Sports’ intervention for the Embassy to rescind their decision fell on death ears.

“It is also disheartening that after government has committed significant amount of resources into training, preparation as well as actual participation in the championships, the team should be refused Entry Visas at the eleventh hour,” a letter dated July 16, 2013 from the ministry to the embassy stated.

It stated further: “It is disturbing that you blatantly disrespected letters from the Highest Office of the land, i.e Office of the President, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration as well as my office as the sector Minister proving the authenticity of the documents of the team members.”

It continued: “It is worth noting that the Ghana Rafting and Dragon Boat Association (GRDBA) is a bona fide and recognized member of the International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) and as such the recognized national team of the state.

“Your action of refusal of the Entry Visas would not only cause the nation the opportunity of participating and winning medals at the event, but also losing huge amount of resources.”

The above caution from the ministry was disregarded by the embassy and held on to their decision as the competition is currently underway and the “fishermen” are left to their fate.

This development also goes a long way to discourage individuals and corporate entities to invest in sports in the country.

President of the GRBA, Mr. Rex Daniel Wussah believes it was a deliberate act by the embassy to disallow the team participate in the championship and considered their excuse as flimsy.

He said, “This is complete racism against the fisher folks and it is very demoralizing and must be condemned by authorities.”

Hon. Wussah, also DCE for Ada questioned: “Since when has individuals become expects of knowing peoples age by just looking into their faces?”

He further appealed to state authorities to be up and doing as the embassy’s decision practically defied state authorities.

Much, he said, has been invested in the preparation of the team and it is very sad to watch all go down the drain.