Ghana’s para sports movement has achieved a major milestone ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games, with strong praise directed at leadership efforts that helped secure a historic qualification in para swimming.
Africa Paralympic Committee President Samson Deen has commended Ms. Farida Iddriss for her pivotal role in guiding Ghana to the breakthrough, describing the achievement as a “remarkable” step forward for the country’s Paralympic development.
The landmark qualification was sealed by athlete Promise Aheto, who became the first Ghanaian para swimmer ever to qualify for the Commonwealth Games.
Aheto secured his place after standout performances at the World Para Swimming Series in Australia earlier this year, where he recorded personal best times of 1:38.58 in the men’s 100m breaststroke S9 and 31.72 in the 50m freestyle S13.
The achievement was made under the leadership of Ms. Farida Iddriss, who assumed the presidency of the association in 2025 and has since overseen rapid progress in Ghana’s para sports structure.
Deen praised her impact at the official unveiling of Ghana’s para athletes, highlighting the speed and significance of the progress made.
“To have it done in just about three years is remarkable because many countries will go, will try and will not get it,” he said.
“But to get it this time, I thank you [Farida] with praises. We have to see her again.”
Iddriss, who has held several key roles within Africa Aquatics and World Aquatics structures since 2022, has been credited with strengthening Ghana’s international competitiveness in para swimming and broader aquatic sports.
Beyond swimming, Ghana’s contingent for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games includes a strong lineup across multiple disciplines. Zinabu Issah will compete in women’s F57 para athletics, while Botsyo Nkegbe features in men’s T54 wheelchair racing.
Others include Hayford Addai in men’s T47 para athletics and Haruna Tahiru in the men’s 100kg+ para powerlifting category.
The qualification marks a significant step forward for Ghana’s Paralympic ambitions, with officials now hoping the momentum will translate into strong performances on the global stage in Glasgow.
