Ghana Hosts National Para Powerlifting Competition on World Disability Day

On December 3, 2024, Ghana celebrated the International Day of Persons with Disabilities by hosting its National Para Powerlifting Competition in Accra.

The event, organized by the Ghana Para-Powerlifting Association in collaboration with the National Paralympic Committee of Ghana (NPC-Ghana), brought together over 50 para-powerlifters from five regions: Kumasi, Accra, Tamale, Cape Coast, and Sunyani.

The competition’s primary goal was to identify and rank athletes for the 2025 season and other upcoming events.

According to Ignatius Elletey, a member of the Ghana Para-Powerlifting Association, this event was crucial for providing opportunities to athletes and offering a platform for them to demonstrate their abilities ahead of international competitions.

“This program is very important,” Elletey said. “In the past, we’ve had challenges with the limited number of athletes selected for international events.

By organizing this competition, we can ensure that all athletes have a chance to prove themselves and earn selection for future competitions.”

Elletey also called for greater support from corporate Ghana to help fund the athletes’ training and development.

He stressed the importance of securing sponsorship for the athletes, particularly with the 2028 Paralympic Games on the horizon.

“Disability sports give life and hope to persons with disabilities,” he added. “We need corporate bodies to come on board and sponsor our athletes, so we can compete at the highest level.”

This year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities is being celebrated under the theme: “Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future.”

The para-powerlifting competition in Accra was an important part of Ghana’s activities to mark this global occasion.