President of the National Paralympic Committee (NPC) of Ghana, Samson Deen, has called on Ghanaians to rally behind the country’s para-athletes as they prepare to compete at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
Speaking at the official unveiling of Team Ghana under the theme “Rising Beyond Limits, Carrying the Dreams of a Nation,” Deen made the country’s ambitions clear with a bold message: “Target the Podium.”
The ceremony introduced the five athletes who will represent Ghana at the Games, scheduled for July 28 to August 8, 2026, and served as a celebration of resilience, inclusion, excellence and national pride.
Addressing athletes, officials, sponsors and members of the media, Deen expressed confidence in the team’s ability to challenge for medals 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 contingent will compete in Para Athletics, Para Powerlifting and Para Swimming.
The squad comprises Zinabu Issah in Women’s F57 Para Athletics, Botsyo Nkegbe in Men’s T54 Wheelchair Racing, Hayford Addai in Men’s T47 Para Athletics, Haruna Tahiru in Men’s 100kg+ Para Powerlifting and Promise Aheto in Para Swimming.
According to Deen, every athlete earned qualification through hard work, merit and outstanding performances, making this one of Ghana’s strongest para-sport teams in recent years.
A major theme of the event was the need to challenge stereotypes surrounding disability and recognise the immense potential of persons living with disabilities.
Deen reiterated that para sports should not 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,” he said.
His remarks drew strong applause from attendees and highlighted the growing recognition of para sports as an integral part of Ghana’s sporting landscape.
The NPC President also reflected on Ghana’s journey in para sports and paid tribute to the pioneers who paved the way for the current generation.
He singled out Anita Fordjour’s historic bronze medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi as a landmark achievement that inspired many athletes.
“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,” he noted.
Deen further urged government, corporate organisations and the media to intensify their support for para sports development, stressing that investing in para sports goes beyond competition and contributes to national development and social inclusion.
“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 stated.
He also encouraged 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,” he added.
In one of the most inspiring moments of the event, Deen challenged the athletes to compete with confidence and ambition.
“Never be intimidated by rankings or reputations. Champions are not made on competition day; champions are revealed on competition day,” he said.
He reminded the athletes that they carry the hopes and aspirations of millions of Ghanaians and urged them to compete with courage, pride and determination.
As Glasgow 2026 approaches, the message from the National Paralympic Committee is unmistakable: Ghana is not travelling to Scotland simply to participate.
Team Ghana is travelling to compete. Team Ghana is travelling to inspire. Team Ghana is travelling to target the podium.
With the nation firmly behind its para-athletes, hopes are high that Glasgow 2026 could become another historic milestone in Ghana’s sporting journey.
