GWF unhappy with Juliana Arko

The Ghana Weightlifting Federation (GWF), has condemned the behaviour of weightlifter, Juliana Arko at last month’s Youth Olympics in Nanjing, China, where she threatened to commit suicide over unpaid per diem and bonuses.

Arko, 17, was tipped to excel at the Olympics after winning eight medals at last year's African Weightlifting Championships in Casablanca, Morocco, but had since been embroiled in endless controversies.

In a statement signed by the GWF spokesperson, Charles Osei Asibey, the federation condemned Julianna’s actions in strong terms, adding that the athlete disgraced Ghana on an international platform.

The statement said, “The issue of per diem and other benefits due athletes when they compete in international events and the general lack of funding for all sports apart from football have been a major headache for federation heads over the years.

“We shall not condone any action by an athlete who goes to embarrass the country at any international event.  The GWF disassociates itself and condemns Julie’s actions in the strongest terms”.

The GWF will investigate and take the necessary disciplinary action against the athlete,” the statement added.