Beginning Friday, Ghana’s five-member Paralympic team is set to compete across para athletics, para swimming and para powerlifting at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, with hopes of winning medals in alignment with the “Mount the Podium” agenda and inspiring greater inclusion for persons with disabilities.
Leading the delegation is NPC Ghana President and African Paralympic Committee President Samson Deen, who believes the Games offer an opportunity to showcase Ghana’s growing investment in para sports and strengthen preparations for the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games. He stressed that the Games are also about promoting inclusion and creating opportunities.
“Success in Glasgow will not only be measured by medals. It will be measured by the lives we inspire, the opportunities we create and the message we send that disability is never a barrier to excellence,” Mr Deen told Graphic.
“Every athlete representing Ghana is helping to build a more inclusive sporting environment where everyone has the opportunity to dream, participate and succeed.”
Ghana’s campaign begins on Friday, July 24, when the nation’s King’s Baton Bearer Tahiru Haruna competes in the Men’s Heavyweight (Over 72kg) Para Powerlifting event at the SEC Armadillo. Ghana and Africa’s leading powerlifter, Haruna will be aiming to challenge for a podium finish against a strong Commonwealth field.
The action intensifies on Monday, July 27, with two athletes in medal contention. Promise “Wonder Atsu” Aheto takes to the pool in the 100m Breaststroke at the Tollcross International Swimming Centre, hoping to progress from the morning heats to the evening final. Later that day, experienced thrower Zinabu Issah competes in the Women’s F57 Shot Put final at Scotstoun Stadium. Having represented Ghana at major international competitions including the 2024 Paris Olympics, Issah is regarded as one of the country’s strongest medal prospects.
Attention then shifts to the track on Wednesday, July 29, when teenage sensation Hayford Addai races in the Men’s T47 100 metres. The talented 18 year old student of Konongo SHS will seek a place in the final to challenge for a medal against some of the Commonwealth’s fastest athletes.
Ghana’s campaign concludes on Saturday, August 1, with four-time Paralympian Botsyo Nkegbe contesting the Men’s T53/54 1500 metres final. Renowned for his endurance and tactical racing, the experienced Nkegbe will be aiming to finish the Games on a high for Team Ghana.
Samson Deen believes the significance of Glasgow extends beyond medals.
“Our athletes are ambassadors of resilience, determination and excellence. Every one of them has earned the right to compete at this level through hard work and sacrifice,” the NPC chief said.
“We expect them to give their very best, compete with confidence and inspire the next generation of persons with disabilities across Ghana,” he stressed.
With five determined athletes carrying the nation’s hopes, Ghana will be looking to return from Glasgow with medals while reinforcing the growth of para sports and inspiring a more inclusive sporting future.
