Ghana Athletics Association (GAA) president Bawah Fuseini has dismissed claims that Isaac Botsio withdrew from the upcoming World Athletics Relays due to missing out on the Tokyo World Championships, insisting he was left out earlier based on his time and ranking, not baton-related issues in the Bahamas.
His remarks come following claims that Botsio withdrew due to missing out on the Tokyo World Championships.
GAA named a five-man squad, including experienced sprinters Benjamin Azamati and Abdul-Rasheed Saminu, to represent the country at the upcoming World Relays set to take place next month in Gaborone.
Joseph Paul Amoah and Ibrahim Fusieni are the other names listed, but Isaac Botsio has withdrawn from the squad, leaving Ghana with no reserves heading to the upcoming meet.
Speaking to Sporty FM, Bawah Fuseini dismissed claims of any issues between the athletes and the federation, insisting that Isaac Botsio had confirmed his availability through the team captain before the squad was submitted.
“There is no problem between the federation and Isaac Botsio or any other athlete as far as I am concerned.
“I have spoken with Joe Paul, our captain, and he [Isaac Botsio] indicated to Paul that he is available. I told Paul that I would be very grateful if Botsio is available to attend the World Relays and African Championship, and he spoke to Botsio, and he came back that Botsio is available, and we entered him. So that’s why we entered him into the final list; there’s no issue,” he stated.
He further explained that Isaac Botsio’s omission from the Tokyo World Championships was based on his performances and times at the time, outlining the criteria used in the selection process.
“I am not sure he was hurt because our selection is solely based on current performance and times. It is not selective. We always pick the four or five fastest times. Going to Tokyo, he was the sixth fastest,” he added.
The 2026 World Athletics Relays is scheduled to take place on May 2–3, 2026, in Gaborone, Botswana.
