The Ghana Swimming Association (GSA) has announced the nation’s withdrawal from hosting the 2026 African Swimming Championships.

This follows unresolved governance challenges and a lack of institutional support.

The competition was scheduled to take place in Accra from May 5 to 10, 2026, after Ghana secured hosting rights in Cairo in April 2025.

In a statement, the Association said preparations had been “significantly undermined” by the linking of internal electoral disputes to the hosting of the event.

It also revealed that the National Sports Authority (NSA) had “persistently sought to compel the Ghana Swimming Association to adopt certain guidelines” which it believes contradict its constitution.

Despite engaging stakeholders and making concessions to resolve the impasse, the GSA said key processes, including the formation of a Local Organising Committee, were delayed.

“This refusal is further demonstrated by the sequence of events that followed,” the statement added.

The Association described the decision as a “last resort after exhausting all reasonable efforts” to secure the support needed to host the competition.

It apologised for the inconvenience caused to participating countries and stakeholders, while reaffirming its commitment to “restore confidence” and strengthen the future of swimming in Ghana.