Ghana’s hopes of adding another medal at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games took a hit when wheelchair racer Raphael Nkegbe Botsyo finished eighth in the men’s 1500m T54 final.
Botsyo clocked 3:48.41, leaving Ghana’s medal tally unchanged. Despite missing out on the podium, the experienced para athlete said he was pleased with the quality of the race.
“I was looking forward to making this count,” he said afterwards.
Botsyo explained that the 1500m is not his preferred event, describing himself primarily as a sprinter who has also competed successfully over longer distances.
“Lately I’ve been running outside my race. My best event is the sprint, although I also do well in the longer distances,” he said.
He also expressed disappointment that sprint events are not currently part of the para athletics programme at the Commonwealth Games, saying their inclusion would create a fairer balance for athletes who specialise in shorter races. Looking ahead, Botsyo confirmed that Glasgow 2026 will be his final Commonwealth Games appearance.
“This will be my last Commonwealth Games. My focus now is on working towards the Los Angeles Olympic Games,” he said.
Nkegbe Botsyo also urged the government to invest more in para sports, arguing that para athletes have consistently produced results for the country despite limited support.
“We don’t want to compare ourselves with the Black Stars, but I believe para sports has proven over the years that we don’t need much to win laurels for Ghana,” he said.
“I would rather the nation invest $9,000 in my preparation and equipment and give me $1,000 if I win gold. Then I can believe they have invested in me.”
Botsyo added that he has often had to buy his own equipment in order to compete internationally, and said he hopes recent assurances from the Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, will lead to practical support rather than just promises.
“I have bought my own equipment all the time for events, but as the Sports Minister has promised, I hope they invest in us, and it’s not just words,” he said.
🎥 🇬🇭 “We are not comparing ourselves to the Black Stars. I just need the country to invest $9,000 in me. I have represented Ghana for 20 years, yet all my equipment has been self-funded.”
Ghana’s para-athlete Botsyo Nkegbe after finishing 8th in the men’s 1500m T54 final at the… pic.twitter.com/fiI1SEJxWo
— Citi Sports (@CitiSportsGHA) August 1, 2026
