Ghana’s decorated wheelchair racer Nkegbe Botsyo brought his 2026 Commonwealth Games campaign to an end after finishing eighth in the men’s 1500m T54 event on Saturday, 1 August.
The experienced para-athlete crossed the finish line in 3:48.41, a season’s best performance. However, it was not enough to secure qualification to the next stage, ending his quest for a medal in Glasgow.
Although disappointed with the outcome, Botsyo’s performance once again highlighted his resilience and determination as one of Ghana’s most accomplished para-athletes, having won several medals for the nation over the years.
Ahead of the race, Botsyo made an emotional appeal for greater investment in para sports, insisting that Ghana’s para-athletes have consistently proven they can deliver international success despite limited resources.
“We are not asking for too much. We don’t want to be compared to the Black Stars or any other team. Para-athletes have shown time and again that we don’t need much to win laurels for Ghana.”
He pointed to Ghana’s impressive performances at the Games, mentioning silver medallist Zinabu Issah, teenage sprinter Hayford Addai, Haruna Tahiru, and the country’s para swimmers as examples of athletes producing results despite inadequate support.
“Zinabu has demonstrated it, Hayford, the 17-year-old boy, has demonstrated it, Tahiru has demonstrated it, and our para swimmers have demonstrated it. We just need an equal share of the cake.”
Botsyo argued that investing in athletes before competitions would yield better results than rewarding them only after winning medals.
“I would rather the nation invest about US$9,000 in my preparation, equipment and training, and after I win gold, give me just US$1,000. That would show they truly invested in success instead of waiting to reward it.”
The veteran racer also revealed that throughout his two-decade career representing Ghana, he has largely financed his own specialised racing equipment.
“I have been running for Ghana for 20 years, and all my equipment has been bought by myself. I hope the government’s promise to invest in athletes will not remain just words but become real action.”
Botsyo, however, acknowledged the support he has received from the National Paralympic Committee of Ghana and its leadership.
“The President of the National Paralympic Committee and the management have supported us with our preparation and pocket money. Their commitment has motivated us, and I appreciate what they have done.”
Although his Commonwealth Games journey has come to an end, Botsyo leaves Glasgow with a season’s best performance and a powerful message on the need for sustained investment in Ghana’s para-athletes, whose achievements continue to inspire the nation.
By: Victoria Kwofie
