Ghana Athletics has officially declared the withdrawal of its men’s 4x100m relay team from the ongoing 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest due to injuries sustained by two team members, James Dadzie and Joseph Paul Amoah. These injuries occurred during the 200-meter heats and were assessed as significant, requiring immediate medical attention.
Ghana Athletics expressed deep regret over the situation and emphasized the paramount importance of the athletes’ health and well-being. The statement conveyed, “Regrettably, James Dadzie and Joseph Paul Amoah, two of the relay team’s five athletes, sustained injuries during the 200-meter heats on August 23, 2023, necessitating urgent medical treatment.”
James Dadzie suffered a hamstring injury around the 80-meter mark of the race, resulting in a grade II tear in the bicep femoris muscle of his left hamstring. In contrast, Joseph Paul Amoah experienced abrupt pain in the lateral front side of his right foot, along with a popping sensation, after executing a strong curve in the 200m race. Subsequent x-ray scans revealed a minor fracture at the base of his right big toe.
The statement also indicated that the decision was made in consultation with the Honorable Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon. Mustapha Ussif. Ghana Athletics and the minister agreed that discontinuing participation in the championships is in the best interest of James and Joseph’s careers given the circumstances, allowing them to focus on treatment and recovery.
Notably, Team Ghana has not secured any medals in the Budapest championships.
