The National Paralympic Committee of Ghana (NPC Ghana) has officially launched Ghana’s qualification campaign for the 2028 Summer Paralympic Games, with the national Para Powerlifting Team departing for the African Open Para Powerlifting Championships 2026 in Oran, Algeria.
The championship, organised under the supervision of World Para Powerlifting, is scheduled to take place from May 21 to 24, 2026, at the Miloud Hadefi Olympic Complex and forms part of the official qualification pathway toward the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games.
Ghana’s delegation includes para powerlifters Tahiru Haruna, Isaac Obeng and Isaac Nii Ayitey Tagoe, who will be making his debut appearance at a World Para Powerlifting-sanctioned competition. The team is accompanied by Prince Nyarko, Head of Delegation, Coach George Ohene-Adu, and medical personnel Tilly Naa Adei Lutterodt. Guest athlete Oghenenyerhovwo Glory Unuefewa is also part of the delegation for classification purposes.
The participation of the Ghanaian contingent has been fully sponsored by NPC Ghana President Samson Deen as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Ghana’s position in para sports across the continent and internationally.
Speaking ahead of the competition, Mr Deen reiterated his commitment to supporting disciplined and hardworking athletes capable of delivering results on the international stage.
“African athletes must end tourism and focus on mounting the podium anytime they travel for competitions,” he stated.
He also called for increased government investment in para sports across Africa, stressing the need for stronger support systems for athletes with disabilities.
“Zero financial support got us medals. Imagine what proper investment in para sports can do for Africa on the world stage,” he added.
The Algeria championship follows Ghana’s strong performance at the West Africa Para Games, where the country finished second behind Nigeria, further boosting confidence in the country’s growing para sports profile.
NPC Ghana noted that the championship is not only important for qualification points but also for exposing athletes to elite-level competition, building technical capacity and developing a winning culture ahead of LA2028.
In another significant milestone, Ghana has already secured qualification for five athletes across Para Swimming, Para Athletics and Para Powerlifting for the 2026 Commonwealth Games. The country is hopeful of winning its first-ever Commonwealth Games medal in para sports.
As part of preparations for Glasgow 2026, Mr Deen has also pledged international training camps in France and Azerbaijan to help improve the athletes’ technical abilities, discipline and confidence ahead of the Games.
NPC Ghana says it remains committed to creating opportunities for Ghanaian para athletes to excel globally while inspiring the next generation of athletes with disabilities.
