Ghana’s para-athletes departed from Accra yesterday for Stellenbosch, South Africa, to participate in the 2025 edition of the GAPS Programme, scheduled to run from July 19 to 26. The training camp forms a crucial part of the team’s preparations for the upcoming Commonwealth Games.
The Commonwealth Sport GAPS Programme—an acronym for Gather, Adjust, Prepare, and Sustain—is designed to support the development of para-athletes and coaches across Commonwealth nations. The initiative provides specialised training, access to resources, and mentorship aimed at helping participants reach peak performance ahead of major international competitions.
This year’s Ghanaian contingent features a mix of accomplished and promising athletes. Among them is Zinabu Issah, who competes in the F57 women’s discus throw. She recently gained international recognition after winning gold at the WPA Marrakech Grand Prix in Morocco in April 2025. Also on the team is Haruna Tahiru, an experienced and versatile athlete who has been active since 2017, earning multiple medals in para powerlifting (107kg+) and arm wrestling at both local and international levels.
The athletes are being guided by two seasoned coaches, Prince Nyarko and Obeng Yaw Patrick, who will oversee the team’s progress throughout the intensive one-week training camp in Stellenbosch.
Ghana’s participation in the programme has been made possible through the support of the Ghana Olympic Committee, a member of the Commonwealth Games Federation. This collaboration continues to strengthen the relationship between the Ghana Olympic Committee and the National Paralympic Committee of Ghana, with a shared commitment to developing para sports as a strong medal prospect for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Ghana’s inclusion in the GAPS Programme represents another significant step in the country’s efforts to empower athletes with disabilities and enhance their competitiveness on the global stage.
