Ghana celebrated the 2024 International Day of Persons with Disabilities by hosting the National Para Powerlifting Competition in Accra.
Organized by the Ghana Para-Powerlifting Association in partnership with the National Paralympic Committee of Ghana (NPC-Ghana), the event featured over 50 para-powerlifters from Kumasi, Accra, Tamale, Cape Coast, and Sunyani.
Ignatius Elletey, a representative of the Ghana Para-Powerlifting Association, explained that the competition aimed to identify and rank athletes for the 2025 season and beyond while establishing a detailed database of para-powerlifters in the country.
“This event is very significant. In the past, the number of athletes selected for international competitions has been limited, posing challenges for representation.
This competition provides all athletes the opportunity to showcase their talents for consideration in international events,” Elletey stated.
He also called on corporate organizations to support the Association financially to ensure the athletes receive adequate training as they prepare for the 2028 Paralympic Games.
“We appeal to corporate Ghana and all citizens to support disability sports, which provide opportunities and a sense of purpose for persons with disabilities.
This is the only sector that embraces inclusivity.
With several events lined up next year, funding remains critical. The journey to the 2028 Paralympic Games in the USA requires sponsorship and the backing of industry players,” he added.
This year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities was celebrated under the theme: “Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future.” The para-powerlifting competition was one of the activities marking the occasion in Ghana.
