Ghana’s road to Los Angeles 2028 is already gathering pace, and the latest stop is Russia. Three Para powerlifters have arrived for the 2026 International Para Powerlifting Competition, carrying more than national pride on their shoulders. They are carrying the growing ambition of a Paralympic movement that wants Ghana to compete for medals.
The five-member Ghana delegation features athletes Francis Kwaku, Nfodzo Patrick and Obeng Samuel, alongside Lead Coach Toulassi Frank and Assistant Coach Oheneadu George.
Their participation is part of the National Paralympic Committee of Ghana’s “Target the Podium” Initiative, a long-term programme designed to give para-athletes the experience and preparation needed to compete at the highest level.
For NPC Ghana President Samson Deen, the mission is bigger than one competition. The Russia trip is another building block in a plan that aims to turn international exposure into Paralympic success.
“Our objective is to continue creating opportunities for our para-athletes to compete internationally, develop their confidence and gain the experience required to represent Ghana successfully on the world stage,” Samson Deen said in a message delivered to the athletes through the coaching team.
“Los Angeles 2028 remains an important target, and every quality international competition forms part of that development journey.”
That approach reflects a simple reality in elite sport. Paralympic champions are not produced in a single season, but through years of training, competition, coaching and exposure to stronger opposition.
For Kwaku, Patrick and Samuel, Russia offers exactly that test. Each lift will give the athletes a chance to measure their strength, assess their progress and experience the pressure that comes with competing on an international stage.
The competition also gives the coaching team valuable information. Toulassi and Oheneadu can study how the athletes respond under pressure, identify technical weaknesses and build better preparation plans for the competitions ahead.
The event runs from 8 to 9 August, with Team Ghana scheduled to return home on 10 August.
The partnership between NPC Ghana and the Russian Paralympic Committee also provides another important international platform. For Ghana, these opportunities are becoming central to a wider strategy of building athletes who are ready for the demands of major global competitions.
The ultimate prize remains LA28. But the journey will be measured in smaller moments, one lift, one competition and one lesson at a time.
Ghana is not simply targeting Los Angeles. Ghana is targeting the podium.
