Ghana suspended by Olympics body

Accra, 14 Jan – (ANA) - Ghana's participation in the 2012 Olympics in London could be in doubt, after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) suspended the country.

The IOC said it took the step because of "political interference" with the National Olympic Committee of Ghana.

IOC president Jacques Rogge said the country's sports law "does not respect the provisions of the Olympic charter".

The ban means Ghana's Olympic funding has been withdrawn and the country will be barred from the 2012 event.

The IOC's executive committee voted to suspend Ghana after months of wrangling with the African nation's Olympic bosses.

"There have been many promises that the law would be changed but nothing materialised," Rogge added.

"While keeping contact... the executive board was compelled to expel the National Olympic Committee of Ghana."

The sanctions could be lifted if Ghana complies with IOC rules and can guarantee the complete independence of the national body, which has been in turmoil since a disputed presidential election in 2009. (ANA)

FA/ANA/14 January 2011-------