The Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) has officially sponsored three of the nation’s top para-athletes to compete in the 2026 Dubai World Para
Athletics Grand Prix. The four-day championship, running from February 10 to 13, 2026, serves as the final direct qualifying window for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
The team, led by veteran coach Mr. Emmanuel Anum Sowah, arrived in the United Arab Emirates in a phased departure, with the focus not only on medals but on securing the world rankings needed for the Commonwealth "Bipartite" and direct slots.
The Team Ghana Lineup
The delegation features a mix of veteran leadership and a highly-anticipated international debut:
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Botsyo Nkegbe (T54 – Men): The legendary wheelchair racer and three-time Paralympian will contest the 100m, 800m, and 1500m. Nkegbe remains Ghana's most consistent hope for track success in the T54 class.
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Zinabu Issah (F57 – Women): A dominant force in field events, Issah will lead the charge in Shot Put and Discus Throw. Her performance in Dubai is critical to improving her Commonwealth ranking in the F57 class.
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Hayford Addai (T47 – Men): The 2026 season’s breakout star, Addai is a teenage arm-amputee sprinter from Konongo Senior High School. Dubai marks his first-ever international competition, where he will compete in the 100m, 200m, 400m, and Long Jump.
Strategic Stakes: The Road to Glasgow 2026
The National Paralympic Committee (NPC-Ghana) is optimistic that this trio will join Para-Powerlifter Tahiru Haruna, who has already secured his place for Glasgow.
| Athlete | Event | Classification Goal |
| Hayford Addai | 100m - 400m, LJ | Underwent first international classification on Feb 6 to confirm T47 status. |
| Zinabu Issah | Throws | Aiming for a Top 8 Commonwealth ranking in the F57 class. |
| Botsyo Nkegbe | Middle Distance | Looking to secure a "Direct Qualification" slot via the WPA rankings. |
GOC’s Funding Support
The GOC’s financial support comes under its renewed commitment to Olympic and Paralympic Solidarity. President Mr. Richard Akpokavie noted that the committee’s priority is ensuring that high-performing athletes are not hindered by travel costs, especially during the crucial qualification period ending in March 2026.
The Bottom Line
For Hayford Addai, Dubai 2026 is the start of a dream; for Botsyo Nkegbe, it's a veteran's pursuit of another major podium. Their performance over these four days will determine the size of Ghana's para-contingent in Glasgow this July.
