Ghana has set its sights firmly on the podium at the 2026 Commonwealth Games after the National Paralympic Committee (NPC) of Ghana officially unveiled its para-athlete contingent with a bold message from President Samson Deen: “Target the Podium.”
The unveiling ceremony, held at the ESP Hotel in Accra under the theme “Rising Beyond Limits, Carrying the Dreams of a Nation,” introduced the five athletes who will represent Ghana at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, from July 28 to August 8, 2026.
More than a ceremonial send-off, the event served as a powerful statement of ambition, inclusion, resilience, and national pride.
Addressing athletes, officials, sponsors, and members of the media, NPC President Samson Deen described the team as a group of exceptional competitors capable of making history for Ghana on one of the world’s biggest sporting stages.
“These athletes are not merely participants. They are medal contenders. They are champions in waiting. They represent the very best of Ghanaian determination, discipline, and excellence,” he declared.
The five-member team will compete in three disciplines: Para Athletics, Para Powerlifting, and Para Swimming.
Team Ghana for Glasgow 2026
- Zinabu Issah – Women’s F57 Para Athletics
- Botsyo Nkegbe – Men’s T54 Wheelchair Racing and three-time Paralympian
- Hayford Addai – Men’s T47 Para Athletics
- Haruna Tahiru – Men’s 100kg+ Para Powerlifting
- Promise Aheto – Para Swimming
According to the NPC President, every athlete secured qualification through merit, performance, and dedication, making this one of the strongest para contingents Ghana has assembled in recent years.
A central theme throughout the event was the need to transform perceptions about disability and recognise the extraordinary abilities and potential of persons living with disabilities.
Samson Deen reiterated his long-held belief that para sports should never be viewed through the lens of charity, but rather as a platform for excellence, empowerment, and opportunity.
“Disability is not inability. Our athletes do not seek sympathy. They seek opportunity. They seek inclusion. They seek the chance to compete and prove themselves on equal terms.”
His remarks drew strong applause from attendees and reinforced the growing recognition of para sports as an integral part of Ghana’s sporting ecosystem.
Reflecting on Ghana’s journey in para sports, Deen paid tribute to the pioneers who paved the way for the current generation of athletes.
He highlighted the historic bronze medal won by Anita Fordjour at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, describing it as a defining moment that inspired many athletes who followed.
“That achievement opened doors and inspired many athletes who followed. Today, we are building upon that legacy and writing a new chapter in Ghana’s sporting history.”
The NPC President also called on government, corporate institutions, and the media to deepen their support for para sports development, stressing that investment in the sector delivers benefits far beyond competition.
“Supporting para sports is not charity. It is an investment in talent. It is an investment in inclusion. It is an investment in national development and future generations.”
He further urged the media to continue highlighting positive stories that inspire and unite the nation.
“We cannot build a successful sporting industry through negativity. We must celebrate our successes, support our athletes, and tell stories that inspire.”
In perhaps the most memorable moment of the ceremony, Samson Deen challenged Team Ghana to compete fearlessly and aim for medals in Glasgow.
“Never be intimidated by rankings or reputations. Champions are not made on competition day; champions are revealed on competition day.”
He reminded the athletes that they carry the hopes and aspirations of millions of Ghanaians and encouraged them to compete with confidence, courage, and pride.
With Glasgow 2026 fast approaching, the message from the National Paralympic Committee is clear: Ghana is not travelling to Scotland simply to participate.
