Africa Paralympic Committee President Samson Deen has commended Ms. Farida Iddriss for her instrumental role in guiding Ghana to a historic para swimming qualification for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Ghana’s para sports movement achieved a major breakthrough after Promise Aheto became the first Ghanaian para swimmer to qualify for the Commonwealth Games.
Aheto secured qualification following outstanding performances at the World Para Swimming Series in Australia earlier this year. He posted personal best times of 1:38.58 in the men’s 100m Breaststroke S9 and 31.72 in the men’s 50m Freestyle S13, earning his place at the prestigious multi-sport event.
The landmark achievement came under the leadership of Ms. Farida Iddriss, who assumed office as President of the Ghana Swimming Association in 2025.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony for Ghana’s para athletes ahead of the Games, Samson Deen praised her leadership and commitment to the development of para sports.
“To have it done in just about three years is remarkable because many countries will go, will try and will not get it. But to get it this time, I thank you [Farida] with praises. We have to see her again,” Deen stated.
Beyond her role in Ghana swimming, Ms. Iddriss has served as Vice President of Africa Aquatics Zone 2 since 2022 and has been a Board Member of Africa Aquatics since 2024. She also sits on the World Aquatics Masters Technical Committee, a position she has held since 2025.
Ghana’s para team for Glasgow 2026 also includes Zinabu Issah (Women’s F57 Para Athletics), Botsyo Nkegbe (Men’s T54 Wheelchair Racing), Hayford Addai (Men’s T47 Para Athletics), and Haruna Tahiru (Men’s 100kg+ Para Powerlifting).
The qualification of Promise Aheto marks a significant milestone for Ghana’s para sports programme and highlights the growing impact of leadership, investment, and athlete development within the country’s sporting ecosystem.
