Ghana’s para-powerlifting team will take another step in its preparations for the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games when it competes at the 2026 International Para Powerlifting Competition in Russia on 8 and 9 August.
The five-member delegation includes para-powerlifters Francis Kwaku, Patrick Nfodzo and Samuel Obeng, who will be supported by Lead Coach Toulassi Frank and Assistant Coach Oheneadu George.
Their participation is part of the National Paralympic Committee of Ghana’s (NPC Ghana) “Target the Podium” initiative, led by NPC Ghana President Samson Deen.
The programme is designed to give promising Ghanaian para-athletes regular exposure to high-level international competition as the country works towards its preparations for LA28.
The competition in Russia will allow Kwaku, Nfodzo and Obeng to assess themselves against international opposition while gaining further experience in a competitive environment. It will also give the athletes and their coaching team an opportunity to identify areas where technical improvements are required.
The delegation is scheduled to return to Ghana on 10 August.
NPC Ghana views the Russia assignment as part of a wider, long-term plan to develop emerging athletes into genuine Paralympic medal contenders. That strategy is based on sustained international exposure, technical development and repeated experience in major competitions.
In a message to the athletes, delivered through the coaching team, Deen underlined the value of every international event in Ghana’s preparations for Los Angeles.
“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.
“Los Angeles 2028 remains an important target, and every quality international competition forms part of that development journey.”
For the three athletes competing in Russia, the event represents another opportunity to evaluate their progress against international competitors. Each lift will also contribute to their efforts to strengthen their competitive edge and develop the confidence needed to perform at the highest level.
The competition will therefore serve as another important benchmark on Ghana’s route to LA28. NPC Ghana is continuing to use international participation as a means of building the experience and ability of a new generation of Paralympic medal contenders.
Kwaku, Nfodzo and Obeng will be aiming to make the most of their time in Russia as they continue their development under Toulassi Frank and Oheneadu George. Their participation reflects NPC Ghana’s commitment to creating opportunities for para-athletes to compete abroad and progress through exposure to stronger international fields.
The Ghanaian team’s return on 10 August will mark the end of this particular assignment, but the competition forms part of a continuing programme of preparation for Los Angeles 2028.
