Ghana’s Para Team for Glasgow 2026
Ghana is preparing to send a five-athlete para squad to the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The National Paralympic Committee (NPC) has expressed its aim for podium finishes at the games, which are scheduled to take place from July 23 to August 2, 2026. The selection of the athletes was described by NPC Ghana and African Paralympic Committee President Samson Deen as a recognition of merit and a clear statement of intent, emphasizing that each athlete earned their spot through performance.
The team is led by veteran wheelchair racer Raphael Botsyo Nkegbe, who is set to compete in the Men’s T54 wheelchair racing category. Nkegbe, a three-time Paralympian, is noted for his experience in para athletics. In para powerlifting, Tahiru Haruna will participate in the men’s 100kg+ division. Haruna had a notable season, securing four medals at the 2026 World Para Powerlifting Championships, establishing himself as a top-ranked lifter in Africa.
The para athletics contingent also includes Zinabu Issah, who will compete in the women’s F57 category, and Hayford Addai, a prospect who will line up in the T47 sprint classification. Completing the squad is para swimmer Prosper Aheto, who will represent Ghana in swimming events. The multi-discipline team will carry Ghana’s medal aspirations across track, field, lifting, and swimming.
Support and Preparation
During the unveiling ceremony in Accra, Samson Deen called for increased private sector involvement in supporting para sport in Ghana. Financial assistance was provided to aid the athletes’ preparations, with each athlete receiving GH¢10,000. Additionally, technical officials and a para swimming coach each received GH¢5,000.
Deen encouraged the athletes to focus on discipline and commitment in their preparations, highlighting their potential success as a catalyst for broader support for para sports. He described the athletes as more than just competitors, viewing them as role models and ambassadors who represent many people who believe in overcoming challenges through determination.
Commonwealth Games Association Ambassadors
In related news, former World Boxing Council (WBC) Featherweight and Super Featherweight champion Azumah Nelson has been appointed Ambassador of the Commonwealth Games Association (CGA) Ghana. He was introduced alongside former athlete Margaret Simpson at a press conference in Accra by CGA Ghana President Richard Akpokavie.
Nelson, a gold medalist at Edmonton 1978, advised Ghana’s athletes to focus on hard training and discipline as the only paths to success. He urged them not to be intimidated by competitors from other nations and to represent their country with confidence. He also reflected on missing the 1980 Olympic Games due to a boycott, noting that he later became a world champion professionally.
Nelson recalled the support provided by former President Jerry John Rawlings, who served as team manager, ensuring the national team was well-prepared during training camps. The Commonwealth Games bring together over 70 independent member countries from various regions, including Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
Boxing Team Outlook
On the boxing front, Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF) President Dauda Fuseni expressed confidence in the Black Bombers. He noted improvements in their training and believes the team can achieve gold in Glasgow. Ten boxers are currently in camp at Winneba and are scheduled to travel to the United Kingdom to acclimatize to the weather conditions before the games.
Boxers in the camp include Mubarak Amarh, Desmond Pappoe, Ebenezer Ankrah, James Okoh, Mathias Ashitey, and Amadu Mohammed. Heavyweights Asiedu and Daniel Pappoe are also preparing, alongside female boxers from the Black Hitters unit, including Ramatu Quaye and Nancy. The 23rd Commonwealth Games will be held in Glasgow, Scotland.
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Source: graphic.com.gh
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