Ghana is making significant strides to position itself as a leader in inclusive sports, with recent high-level discussions emphasizing infrastructure development and international collaboration.
A key meeting took place between Mr. Samson Deen, President of the African Paralympic Committee and Ghana Paralympic Committee, and Mr. Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA). The discussions focused on strengthening Ghana’s capacity to host major para sports events and improving facilities for athletes with disabilities.
This renewed emphasis on infrastructure is regarded as a vital step toward enabling Ghana to confidently host high-profile international para sports competitions. Upcoming events, including the AfPC Elective Congress and the inaugural Open Para Sports and Classification Festival scheduled for November 2025, are part of a broader strategy to showcase Ghana’s commitment to inclusive sports and attract global attention.
“This is a national priority. We’re committed to seeing para sports thrive and will provide the facilities and manpower needed to ensure success,” stated Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, underscoring the strategic push to upgrade sports venues.
International support is playing a crucial role in Ghana’s efforts, with delegations from countries like Spain already engaging with local authorities, signaling a growing global interest in Ghana’s inclusive sports initiatives.
The upcoming classification festival aims to provide athletes with essential international classification, a key requirement for participation in Paralympic competitions worldwide. These developments are seen as a means to elevate Ghana’s status as a hub for para sports excellence in Africa.
“Africa’s para athletes are talented but structurally underserved. With Ghana taking the lead in hosting a continental classification festival, we’re not just creating opportunities; we’re correcting historic inequalities,” said Samson Deen.
Beyond infrastructure, the focus is on systemic change within Ghana’s sports landscape. Mr. Deen highlighted the importance of moving away from personality-driven programs to a sustainable system that promotes fairness, development, and community empowerment. “This movement is no longer about individuals. It’s about systems that work, structures that uplift everyone,” he remarked.
The strong partnership between the NSA and the African Paralympic Committee marks a pivotal moment in Ghana’s sports diplomacy. With the NSA’s commitment to providing facilities and technical support, Ghana is positioning itself not only as a host for major para sports events but also as a catalyst for regional development of inclusive sports infrastructure and programs across Africa.
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