In a strategic move to strengthen national collaboration for disability sports, Mr. Samson Deen, President of both the African Paralympic Committee (AfPC) and the Ghana Paralympic Committee, paid a courtesy visit to Mr. Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, the newly appointed Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA).

The high-level meeting, held at the NSA headquarters in Accra, laid the foundation for a robust partnership ahead of two major para sports events: the AfPC Elective Congress and the inaugural Open Para Sports and Classification Festival, both scheduled for November 2025.

Mr. Deen emphasised Ghana’s pivotal role in advancing para sports on the continent, advocating for inclusive infrastructure, enhanced athlete development, and greater access to international classification opportunities.

“Africa’s para-athletes have the talent, but lack the structural support. By hosting this classification festival, Ghana is not just opening doors — it is addressing long-standing inequalities,” Mr. Deen remarked.

The upcoming festival aims to provide an international classification for athletes, a critical step for those seeking to compete in global Paralympic competitions. According to Mr. Deen, international classifiers have already been engaged, and diplomatic missions, including the Spanish Embassy, have pledged their support.

Reflecting on his tenure since 2016, Mr. Deen highlighted a transformative shift in Ghana’s para sports landscape — from being personality-led to system-driven.

“This movement is no longer about individuals. It’s about building sustainable structures that empower everyone,” he said.

He appealed to the NSA for access to key venues such as the Borteyman Sports Complex and the University of Ghana Stadium, as well as for logistical and technical support to ensure a successful festival.

In response, NSA Director General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah expressed his agency’s full commitment.

“This is a national priority. We’re fully behind this initiative and will provide the facilities and personnel necessary to make it a success,” Mr. Ankrah affirmed.

The partnership between the AfPC and NSA marks a significant step forward in Ghana’s sports diplomacy and signals a new chapter in the empowerment of athletes with disabilities across Africa