In a somber turn of events, the Ghana Athletics Association (GAA) has sadly announced the necessary withdrawal of Ghana’s men’s 4x100m relay team from the ongoing World Athletics Championships in Budapest.

This unfortunate decision is a direct consequence of injuries sustained by two out of the five athletes in the relay team, James Dadzie and Joseph Paul Amoah, during the 200-meter heats on August 23, 2023.

The Ghanaian relay squad initially comprised five talented athletes: Joseph Paul Amoah, Isaac Botsio, James Dadzie, Raymond French, and Edwin Kwabla Gadayi.

During the 200-meter heats, James Dadzie’s race came to an abrupt halt around the 80-meter mark due to a hamstring injury. Subsequent examinations revealed a grade II tear in the biceps femoris muscle of his left hamstring.

Joseph Paul Amoah, who had displayed an impressive performance in the 200m, encountered an unexpected and painful sensation in the lateral front side of his right foot. Further medical assessments revealed a small fracture at the base of his right big toe.

Understanding the paramount importance of prioritizing the athletes’ well-being, both World Athletics and the Ghana Athletics Association are deeply concerned about the health and recovery of James and Joseph.

In consultation with the Minister of Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, the GAA has made the difficult but necessary decision to withdraw from the 4×100-meter heats originally scheduled for Friday, August 25, 2023. This decision aims to facilitate their prompt access to medical treatment and enable them to focus on their recovery journey.

The Ghana Athletics Association, in a statement, expressed profound gratitude to all stakeholders for their unwavering support and requested their continued backing for the athletes, including prayers and well-wishes for a swift and complete recovery.