Norway’s Ambassador Gives Update On Ghanaians In Norway After ‘Paralympic’ Visa Spat

Norway’s Ambassador to Ghana, Ingrid Mollestad says although she is unaware of ‘recent developments’ that could put a strain on Ghana-Norway relations, she is certain that Ghanaian citizens in Norway are safe adding that bilateral relations between both countries remain “excellent”.

Ghana’s Minister for Youth and Sports Mustapha Yusif stoked what was feared to be a diplomatic spat when he recently criticized the Norwegian Embassy in Ghana for failing to ensure due diligence in the application process for some Ghanaians who entered Norway under the guise of being Paralympic athletes with nine out of an 11-member team going missing upon their arrival in Oslo for the Bergen Marathon this year.

According to a statement from the Ministry of National Security, addressed to the Sports Ministry and Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, one para-athlete, Nana Antwi, has been detained by Norwegian authorities, while the coach of the ‘team,’ George Gyamfi Gyasi, passed away shortly after being admitted to Oslo University Hospital following his collapse on April 28, 2024.

The National Security Minister, Albert Kan-Dapaah also noted in this memo, a copy of which was sent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, that the development had the “potential to hinder future Ghanaian sporting contingents” prompting the need for remedial action.

According to the National Security Minister, the Norwegian Mission in Ghana subsequently triggered alerts to Schengen Countries to explore possible arrest and repatriation of these para-athletes.

However, speaking exclusively Joy News’ Blessed Sogah on the sidelines of an official State visit by si Foreign Ministers from Nordic States to Ghana, Ingrid Mollestad stated “We have an Embassy here in Ghana, Ghana has an embassy in Norway and bilateral relations are excellent and I think for all the Nordic countries it’s the same. We are really good friends and I think this visit proves that fact very much”.

When asked about “recent developments” which had the potential of fracturing the relations, the Norwegian Diplomat retorted by saying “I must say, I do not know what you are talking about so I have no comments. I think Ghanaians are safe in Norway and Norwegians are safe in Ghana”.

The Foreign Ministers from the 6 Nordic Countries are travelling to Nigeria and Ghana within the framework of Sweden’s Presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers (N5) – the informal foreign and security cooperation format between the Nordic countries.

The Ministers will discuss topics including global security, multilateral cooperation and increased trade and investment.

“The Nordic countries share long-standing, historical and cultural ties, and cooperate within several areas, including foreign and security policy. Nigeria and Ghana are stable democracies, important trading partners, key players in security in Africa and stand up for a rules-based world order. This visit is a valuable opportunity to enhance cooperation between our countries, in both bilateral and multilateral contexts,” says Mr Billström.

Key themes also include regional security, reform of multilateral institutions, climate change and the green transition.

On 15 August, Mr Billström and the Swedish delegation will travel to Lagos to discuss opportunities for enhanced cooperation between Sweden and Nigeria on trade, innovation and digitalisation.

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