Ghana’s young table tennis stars, Israel Aklie and Joanita Borteye, etched their names into the country’s sporting history after winning Ghana’s first African table tennis gold medal in 39 years at the ongoing ITTF Africa Youth Championships at the Borteyman Sports Complex in Accra.
The duo defeated Tunisia’s Amori Amine and Ela Saidi 3-0 in the U-15 Mixed Doubles final on Sunday, July 26, to secure Ghana’s first gold medal of the championship and end a drought that had lasted since 1987.
Aklie and Borteye reached the final after battling past Egypt in semi-final encounter. The Ghanaians won the opening game 11-4 before losing the next two 6-11 and 7-11. They responded brilliantly, taking the fourth and fifth games 11-8, 11-8 to book their place in the final.
Coached by Robert Amartey, the Ghanaian pair showed composure against a determined Tunisian side. They edged the opening game 12-10 and repeated the same scoreline in the second before cruising to an 11-6 victory in the third game to complete a straight-sets triumph and spark jubilant celebrations from the home crowd.
The victory is historic, as it marks Ghana’s first gold medal at any major African table tennis event since Patricia Offei and Patience Opokuah won the women’s doubles title at the 1987 All-Africa Games in Nairobi, Kenya.
Head coach Robert Amartey praised his players for their resilience and determination throughout the competition. “Our objective coming into this championship was to win as many gold medals as possible for Ghana. We knew Tunisia would be a difficult opponent, but after reaching the final, I reminded the players to stay focused and believe in themselves. They showed great resilience, executed the plan perfectly, and I’m delighted they have made history by winning Ghana’s first African table tennis gold in 39 years.”
The coach also acknowledged the support the team received throughout the tournament. “We are grateful to Ghana Table Tennis Association President Mawuko Afadzinu, the executive board, the technical team and everyone who has supported us. This achievement belongs to all Ghanaians.”
Joanita Borteye said the pair were motivated by their promise to deliver gold for the nation. “We promised our president and the fans that we would fight for gold, and we’re happy we have fulfilled that promise. It wasn’t an easy journey because every match was tough, but we stayed focused and believed we could do it.”
“We hope this is just the beginning. We will continue to work hard and do everything we can to win more medals for Ghana”, she added.
The historic victory not only gives Ghana its first gold medal of the 2026 ITTF Africa Youth Championships but also signals the arrival of a new generation determined to restore the country’s place among Africa’s table tennis elite.
By; Victoria Kwofie
