By Isaac Tetteh
The President of the Ghana Para Athletics Association, Foster Kwarteng, has presented international medals to the President of the National Paralympic Committee of Ghana (NPC-Ghana), Mr. Samson Deen, on behalf of the para-sport community and the nation. The medals were a token of gratitude and inspiration, recognizing Mr. Deen’s unwavering contributions to the development of para-sports in Ghana.
The presentation followed a successful campaign by Ghanaian para-athletes at the Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan International Para Athletics Meeting in Marrakech, Morocco.
Ghana’s athletes Gilbert Ampiah and Zinabu Issah brought pride to the nation by winning three medals and setting a new national record. Sixteen-year-old Ampiah clinched his first international medal with an impressive leap of 1.73 meters in the Men’s T44 High Jump. Zinabu Issah, a seasoned national record-holder and multiple medalist, secured gold in the Women’s F57 Discus Throw with a record-breaking 29.25 meters and added a silver medal in the F57 Shot Put with a throw of 8.54 meters.
The medals were presented to Mr. Deen as a symbol of appreciation for his leadership and continued support of Ghana’s para-athletes. The gesture reaffirmed a collective vision of transforming Ghana into a continental powerhouse in para-sports.
Expressing his gratitude, Mr. Deen commended the athletes for their hard work and achievements. He also encouraged young Ghanaian athletes living with disabilities to dream big and strive for global success.
The Marrakech competition served as a crucial qualifier for the upcoming Commonwealth and Paralympic Games. Ghana’s athletes demonstrated remarkable potential and resilience, setting the stage for future triumphs. With sustained support from NPC-Ghana and other stakeholders, the country’s para-sports sector is poised for accelerated growth.
The achievements of Gilbert Ampiah and Zinabu Issah are expected to inspire the next generation of Ghanaian para-athletes. Their success underscores the incredible potential of persons with disabilities to excel in sports and contribute positively to their communities. As investment in para-sports continues to grow, Ghana can look forward to more athletes shining on the world stage.
