Ghana’s rise in para sports gained another proud moment in Algeria as Isaac Nii Ayetey Tagoe battled through elite competition to win bronze at the ORAN World Para Powerlifting Championships 2026. His performance was more than a podium finish, it was another statement of Ghana’s growing ambition on the global stage.
Competing in the Men’s Up to 72kg category, Tagoe faced some of the strongest para powerlifters in the world. He finished eighth globally and fourth in Africa, a result that underlined both his determination and Ghana’s increasing presence in international para sports.
Inside the arena in Oran, every successful lift carried weight beyond the competition itself. The championship forms part of the qualification pathway for the LA 2028 Paralympic Games, where athletes must consistently earn ranking points through major international events.
For Ghana, this bronze medal represents progress in a journey that still demands heavy investment and support. Officials within the para sports community have continued to stress the need for stronger financial backing, believing athletes can compete even more consistently if given the right resources.
Tagoe’s achievement also reflected the resilience often required of para athletes in Ghana. Many continue to train and compete despite limited infrastructure and funding, making moments like this deeply emotional for supporters following the team’s progress from home.
The powerlifter himself remained humble after stepping onto the podium. “I am grateful to President Samson Deen for his singular contribution to rewarding discipline and performance, which has brought me here today,” Tagoe said.
His words highlighted the growing role of leadership within Ghana’s para sports movement. Samson Deen, who serves as president of the African Paralympic Committee, has become a key figure in pushing for greater visibility and recognition for athletes across the continent.
Tagoe’s bronze may not yet carry the spotlight of mainstream global sports, but its significance runs deeper. It is another reminder that Ghana’s sporting excellence extends far beyond football.
With LA 2028 now firmly in sight, performances like this could become the foundation for an even bigger breakthrough in the years ahead.
