By: Kwame Bediako
Abdul Rasheed Saminu electrifying 9.84s finish in the men’s 100m at the 2025 Last Chance Qualifier has done more than rewrite Ghana’s record books; it’s underscored the nation’s remarkable rise in African athletics. Competing in Georgia, USA, Rasheed blazed past the 9.86s national record he set in June 2025 to set a new record of 9.84s, reaffirming his position as Ghana’s fastest man ever and propelling his country to the forefront of continental sprinting excellence.
At 27, Rasheed has rapidly become a figurehead in what observers are calling a renaissance for Ghanaian track and field. His latest achievement, coming shortly after his breakthrough in toppling Benjamin Azamati’s historic mark, has inspired a surge of hope not just within Ghana but across West Africa. In finishing second with a formidable 10.09 seconds, compatriot Mustapha Bokpin reinforced the notion that Ghana’s progress is no longer a one-man story but part of a broader movement.
This new generation of Ghanaian sprinters is shifting the balance of power in African athletics, traditionally dominated by rivals from South Africa and Nigeria. Rasheed’s consistent progression, now ranking him joint third fastest in the world this season sets the stage for a showdown at the upcoming World Championships in Tokyo, where he and Bokpin will face the globe’s elite. Their overseas performances have signaled Ghana’s arrival as a genuine sprinting force with the potential to challenge for medals and relay finals at major meets.
Rasheed’s record-setting run has also sparked renewed investment in athletics back home. Reports indicate that corporate sponsorships and government support are surging in response to the international attention. Youth participation in athletics is reportedly at an all-time high, with Rasheed serving as a visible role model for those dreaming of world-class success from Ghana’s tracks to the biggest international stages.
