Ghana’s para-athletes departed Accra yesterday 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 critical part of preparations for the upcoming Commonwealth Games.
The 2025 Commonwealth Games Federation GAPS program — which stands for Gather, Adjust, Prepare, Sustain — is an initiative by Commonwealth Sport designed to support the development of para-athletes and coaches. The program provides specialized training, resources, and mentorship to help athletes reach their full potential ahead of major competitions.
This year, Ghana’s contingent features some of the nation’s most promising and accomplished para-athletes. Among them is Zinabu Issah, a competitor in the F57 women’s discus throw, who recently won gold at the WPA Marrakech Grand Prix in Morocco in April 2025. Haruna Tahiru, a versatile and experienced athlete, will also participate. Since 2017, Tahiru has won multiple medals in Para Powerlifting (107kg+) and Arm Wrestling at both national and international levels.
The athletes will be guided by two experienced coaches, Prince Nyarko and Obeng Yaw Patrick, through the intensive one-week training program in Stellenbosch.
Ghana’s participation in the GAPS program is made possible through the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC), a member of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF). The initiative strengthens the collaboration between GOC and NPC Ghana in developing para-sports, which are seen as medal prospects for the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
Ghana’s inclusion in the 2025 GAPS program underscores the country’s commitment to empowering athletes with disabilities and enhancing their performance on the global stage.
