Ghana’s men’s 4×100 metres relay team have qualified for the 2027 World Athletics Championships in Beijing, but the achievement has been clouded by strong criticism from members of the squad over poor travel arrangements ahead of the World Relays in Botswana.
The team secured qualification after clocking 38.09 seconds, sealing Ghana’s fourth straight appearance in the men’s 4x100m at the World Championships.
However, sprinter Abdul-Rasheed Saminu later took to social media to express frustration over the conditions under which the athletes had to compete.
According to Saminu, the relay team endured a 14-hour flight followed by a 16-hour layover, leaving them with little time to recover before racing in Gaborone.
“Running with jet lag, with no proper recovery,” Saminu wrote, as he questioned why athletics teams do not receive the same level of planning and logistical support often given to the Black Stars.
“If it was the Black Stars, flight tickets would be ready months prior to their game,” he added.
The Ministry of Sports in Ghana needs to better, don’t set us for failure. If it was “black stars” flights tickets will be ready month prior to their game. 14hrs flight 16hrs lay over is not acceptable for professional athletes. We running with jet lag,no proper recovery.
— Saminu Abdul Rasheed (@rasheed_saminu) May 3, 2026
Another team member, Benjamin Azamati, also took to social media with a brief but direct message to the Ministry of Sports and Recreation: “Do better.”
To add to that, we’re competing against guys who’ve been here 1–3 weeks while we’ve been traveling since Wednesday and arriving a day before on a new continent.
— AzaR (@benjaminazamati) May 3, 2026
I get it, I guess we’re magicians.
Do better, Sports Ministry! https://t.co/PtbtM4hMVU
The comments have sparked fresh debate about athlete welfare and the level of support given to track and field athletes in Ghana, especially when compared with football.
Despite the challenges, the team still delivered a major result for the country, underlining both their quality and resilience.
Saminu warned that poor planning could affect future performances if such issues are not addressed, insisting that athletes should not be placed at a disadvantage before major international competitions.
The backlash is likely to renew calls for better travel, accommodation and recovery arrangements for Ghanaian athletes, particularly as the country looks ahead to Beijing 2027.
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