Samson Deen Re-elected as President of Ghana Paralympic Committee
By: Victoria Nana Adwoa Kwofie
Samson Deen, President of the African Paralympic Committee, was re-elected as the President of the Ghana Paralympic Committee (NPC Ghana) during its 2024 Elective General Assembly, held at the Accra Digital Center on October 10, 2024.
Mr. Deen, running unopposed, was declared the winner by Madam Abigail D.A. Nutakor, the Presiding Officer from Ghana's Electoral Commission.
He first assumed office in 2019 after a narrow victory against Shaban Mohammed, the Technical Director of the Ghana Cycling Association, with seven votes to six.
In his remarks as president-elect, Mr. Deen shared his vision of enhancing Ghana's representation at the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles and other competitions.
"The members of the Paralympic movement entrusted me to continue leading. Today's election brings renewed energy and a fresh approach to ensuring that Ghana competes at the LA 2028 Paralympic Games in the USA," he said.
"Our primary objective is to establish a solid foundation for para-sports associations in Ghana, developing athletes who can compete on the world stage. We need everyone's support to elevate para-sports to new heights."
During his first term, Deen played a key role in organizing the inaugural African Para Games, where Ghana’s Black Challenge (Amputee Football Team) claimed victory.
He also led Ghana’s Amputee team to their African championship win in May 2024, defeating hosts Morocco, and spearheaded Ghana’s qualification for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
Deen, who is also President of the African Paralympic Committee (APC), won his continental role with 24 votes, surpassing Morocco’s Hamid El Aouni.
He succeeded Leonel da Rocha Pinto, who had served as APC President for 13 years.
In the NPC Ghana election, Evans Yeboah was voted Vice President, Henry Larbi was named Secretary, and Richard Teinor was elected Treasurer.
The newly formed board also includes executive members Iddriss Ayishetu Farida, Foster Kwarteng, Mary Apedo, and Anthony Gyening.
Additionally, Madam Anne Doe, who withdrew from the Vice Presidential race, was appointed as Head of Para Women’s Sports, overseeing the development of female para-athletes. 2021 SWAG Journalist of the Year, Sadick Obama, was named Communications Director for NPC Ghana.
The 2024 Elective General Assembly was under the theme: Effective and Efficient Leadership: Key to the Development and Promotion of Para-Sports.
It featured representatives from 21 para-sports disciplines, including Para Swimming, Para Powerlifting, Wheelchair Tennis, Para Badminton, Para Judo, Para Archery, Adaptive boxing, Blind sports Wheelchair Basketball and many more.
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