Ghana Swimming Association stripped of NSA recognition

The National Sports Authority (NSA) has withdrawn recognition of the Ghana Swimming Association, citing governance breaches and failure to meet accountability requirements.

The decision, which takes effect from January 7, 2026, also applies to the GSA’s Executive Council, effectively stripping it of authority to oversee aquatic sports in Ghana.

In a press release issued on Monday, January 19, the Authority said the action followed 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.”

“The National Sports Authority has withdrawn its recognition for the Ghana Swimming Association and its Executive Council to oversee aquatic sports in Ghana with effect from 7th January 2026,” the statement said.

The NSA further disclosed that it has formally informed World Aquatics, the global governing body for swimming, of the withdrawal of recognition.

Clarifying the scope of the decision, the Authority stressed that the withdrawal bars the GSA and its Executive Council from managing national competitions, selecting teams for international events, or conducting aquatic sports activities both within and outside Ghana.

“For the avoidance of doubt, members of the Executive Council are also forbidden from representing Ghana at any aquatics-related functions whether national or international,” the NSA stated.

However, the Authority was careful to note that the move does not amount to a ban on swimming activities nationwide.

According to the NSA, swimming clubs, training programmes and competitions not directly organised by the GSA are expected to continue without disruption.

“The withdrawal of recognition of the GSA and its Executive Council is not a total ban on swimming in Ghana,” the statement said, adding that “activities of swimming clubs, trainings and competitions that are not directly organized by the GSA should continue.”

The NSA said it will continue to exercise its statutory mandate of promoting, organising and supporting the development of aquatic sports, while enforcing principles of accountability, transparency and good governance across the sector.

“The Authority will continue to carry out its mandate of promoting, organising and supporting the development of aquatic sports and enforce accountability, transparency, fairness and good governance,” it noted.

Looking ahead, the NSA signalled its intention to reset aquatic sports administration in the country in the interest of athletes and the wider public.

“In pursuit thereof, 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 statement added.