By Rihana Adam, GNA
Accra, June 8, GNA – Ghana has achieved a historic milestone in para sports after Promise Aheto became the first Ghanaian para swimmer to qualify for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Aheto secured qualification following impressive performances at the World Para Swimming Series held in Australia earlier this year.
The swimmer recorded personal best times of 1:38.58 in the men’s 100m breaststroke S9 event and 31.72 seconds in the men’s 50m freestyle S13, earning a place at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Speaking during the official unveiling of Ghana’s para-athletes for the Games, Mr Samson Deen, President of the National Paralympic Committee, commended the swimming association for their commitment and leadership, which had contributed significantly to the breakthrough in para swimming.
“To have it done in just about three years is remarkable because many countries will go, will try and will not get it, but to get it this time, I thank you, Farida, with praises, we have to see her again,” Mr Deen said.
The qualification marks a major achievement for Ghana’s para swimming programme under Madam Farida Iddriss, who assumed office as President of the Ghana Swimming Association in 2025.
Ghana’s para team for the 2026 Commonwealth Games includes Aheto in para swimming, while para-athletics would be represented by Zinabu Issah the women’s F57 category, Botsyo Nkegbe in the men’s T54 wheelchair racing event, and Hayford Addai in the men’s T47 category.
The qualification of Aheto is expected to boost the development of para swimming in Ghana and inspire more athletes with disabilities to pursue excellence in the sport as the country prepares for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade
