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    Ghana Para Powerlifters Compete in Russia for LA28 Paralympic Games

    Three Ghanaian athletes are participating in an international competition as part of the 'Target the Podium' initiative, aiming for success at the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games.

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    Ghana’s national Para Powerlifting Team is currently competing at the 2026 International Para Powerlifting Competition in Russia. This marks a significant step in the nation's journey towards the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games. The five-member Ghanaian delegation includes three para-powerlifting athletes: Francis Kwaku, Nfodzo Patrick, and Obeng Samuel. Their participation is a core component of the National Paralympic Committee (NPC) of Ghana’s ambitious ‘Target the Podium’ Initiative. This strategic program focuses on preparing Ghanaian para-athletes for high-level international competition. The ultimate goal is to achieve medal success at the LA28 Paralympic Games. The ‘Target the Podium’ initiative, led by NPC Ghana President Samson Deen, has a clear objective. It aims to equip Ghanaian para-athletes with international experience, confidence, and technical preparation. The program also fosters a medal-winning mentality necessary to challenge for the Paralympic podium. This aligns with Ghana's broader commitment to sports development and international representation. President Samson Deen emphasized the national mission behind this journey. He stated, “Our objective is to continue creating opportunities for our para-athletes to compete internationally, develop their confidence and gain the experience required to represent Ghana successfully on the world stage.” This highlights the long-term vision for Ghanaian para-sports. Ghana’s involvement in the Russian competition receives support from the National Paralympic Committee of Ghana. This partnership with the Russian Paralympic Committee provides a vital international platform. Athletes can test their abilities against strong opponents and continue their development towards Los Angeles 2028. Such international exposure is critical for improving performance and competitive readiness. The competition runs from August 8 to August 9, 2026. The Ghanaian delegation is scheduled to depart Russia on August 10. For the athletes, every lift in Russia offers an opportunity to gain valuable international experience. It also allows them to measure their progress against global opposition and strengthen their competitive mindset. Lead Coach Toulassi Frank and Assistant Coach Oheneadu George will use this competition to assess the athletes. They will observe performance under international competitive conditions. This assessment will help identify areas for further technical improvement as Ghana intensifies preparations for LA28. The insights gained will be crucial for tailored training programs. This initiative reflects a broader trend of increased investment and focus on para-sports in Ghana. Previous efforts, such as the GHS 800,000 pledge from EEZZY Group Foundation for Team Ghana’s Glasgow 2026 campaign, demonstrate growing support. These investments are vital for enabling Ghanaian athletes to compete effectively on the global stage. They contribute to national pride and inspire future generations of para-athletes. The success of programs like ‘Target the Podium’ can significantly elevate Ghana’s profile in international sports. It also promotes inclusivity and provides opportunities for athletes with disabilities. The experience gained in Russia will be invaluable for the athletes' individual growth and the team's collective strength. This prepares them for the ultimate challenge of the Paralympic Games.

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