Deputy Director-General of the National Sports Authority, Veronica Commey, has expressed surprise over complaints regarding food rationing at the ongoing African Senior Athletics Championships in Accra.
Her response follows allegations from South African athlete Aiden Smith, who claimed competitors were being served inadequate food portions despite the physical demands of the championships.
“We’re taking the complaints seriously,” Commey said.
According to the NSA official, organisers did not anticipate such concerns and have already begun reviewing the situation.
“We were surprised by the reports,” she implied.
Commey stressed that athlete welfare remains a major priority for the organisers and promised swift action to improve conditions.
“We are working quickly to fix the issues,” she noted.
She also emphasized that service delivery and accommodation standards are being reassessed to ensure athletes receive proper support throughout the competition.
“We want athletes to be comfortable,” she added.
For the organisers, maintaining the reputation of the championships and Ghana’s image as a host nation remains extremely important.
“We want to deliver a successful event,” Commey stressed.
The complaints have sparked broader discussions around logistics and athlete care at major African sporting competitions.
“These concerns must be addressed properly,” many observers believe.
As the championships continue, attention will now focus on whether the promised improvements are implemented effectively.
For Commey, the message is clear.
The complaints are being heard.
Solutions are being worked on.
And organisers are determined to improve conditions quickly.
Because athlete welfare should never be overlooked at elite sporting events.
