Ghana must invest in para-athletes before expecting medals - Raphael Botsyo

Veteran Ghanaian wheelchair racer Raphael Botsyo Nkegbe has urged the Government of Ghana to prioritise investment in para sports, arguing that sustained funding, not post-event rewards, is the key to winning medals on the international stage.

Speaking after competing in the men's 1500m T54 final at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, Botsyo said countries that consistently succeed at major championships are those that invest heavily in athlete preparation.

"The medals are made by nations that invest. Nations that invest more win more medals," he said in Glasgow.

The veteran para-athlete stressed that Ghana has the talent to compete with the world's best but lacks the long-term investment needed to translate that potential into podium finishes.

"I'd prefer the government to invest $9,000 in my preparation and give me $1,000 if I win gold," Botsyo said, emphasising that proper training, equipment and support before competitions are more valuable than large cash rewards after victories.

Botsyo, who has represented Ghana for more than two decades, revealed that he has often had to purchase his own specialised racing equipment throughout his career, while athletes from leading nations benefit from modern equipment, elite coaching, sports science support and regular international competition.

He also insisted that Ghana's medal ambitions should not rest solely on the shoulders of the National Paralympic Committee (NPC) Ghana.

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"NPC Ghana cannot carry the burden of a medal-winning mentality alone," he said.

Despite the challenges, Botsyo praised the leadership of NPC Ghana for its unwavering commitment to supporting and motivating para-athletes despite operating with limited resources.

In one of his strongest remarks, he suggested that many Ghanaian para-athletes continue to compete because of the confidence and belief shown in them by the committee's leadership.

"Every para-athlete in Ghana currently competes for the President of NPC Ghana because he is the one who believes in the para-athletes."

PAH/MA

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