By: Nana Yaw Preko Bimpeh
Ghana’s para-athletes departed yesterday from Accra for Stellenbosch, South Africa, to participate in the 2025 edition of the GAPS program, scheduled from July 19 to 26.
The training camp is a key part of preparations for the upcoming Commonwealth Games.
The 2025 Commonwealth Wealth Federation GAPS program which stands for Gather, Adjust, Prepare, Sustain, is an initiative by Commonwealth Sport to support the development of para-athletes and coaches.
It offers specialized training, resources, and mentorship aimed at helping athletes reach their full potential ahead of major competitions.
This year’s Ghanaian contingent includes some of the nation’s most promising and accomplished para-athletes.
It includes Zinabu Issah, a para-athlete in the F57 women’s discus throw event. Zinabu recently made headlines in April 2025 after clinching a gold medal at the WPA Marrakech Grand Prix in Morocco.
Joining her is Haruna Tahiru, a versatile and experienced athlete who has been competing since 2017 and has racked up multiple medals in Para Powerlifting (107kg+) and Arm Wrestling both locally and internationally.
Supporting the athletes are two experienced coaches – Prince Nyarko and Obeng Yaw Patrick – who will guide the team through the intensive one-week training program in Stellenbosch.
Participation in the GAPS program is by the courtesy of the Ghana Olympic Committee which is a member of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) and this has deepen the good relationship that exist between GOC and NPC Ghana to develop para sports which is a medal hopeful for the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
Ghana’s inclusion in the CGF GAPS program marks another step forward in the country’s efforts to empower athletes with disabilities and enhance their performance on the global stage.
