Lt. Gen. Obed Boamah Akwah (Rtd), Ghana’s Ambassador to Egypt, donated $1,000 to Ghana’s Amputee National Team, the Black Challenge, on Thursday, May 23, 2024.
The Ambassador was accompanied by Mr. Sevor Selasi, Head of Chancery; Mr. Keven Selasi, Economic and Cultural Secretary; and Alhaji Abass Basawutey, Protocol Assistant.
Mr Akwah’s support was intended to inspire the Amputee Team to defend the AAFCON 2024 title in Egypt.
Notwithstanding their two trophy wins for the country, including the most recent 1st African Para Games in Accra, the Black Challenge has yet to be appropriately compensated.
Having beaten Gambia 4-0, Algeria 5-0, and Kenya 2-1 on their way to the AAFCON quarterfinals, their motivation and ability to perform at their best for Ghana have been hampered by a lack of government backing.
In a rousing demonstration of solidarity, the Ambassador encouraged the team to concentrate on winning Monday’s pivotal final match, emphasizing the profound national significance of their triumph.
Captain Richard Arthur Opentil conveyed appreciation to the Ambassador while also expressing concerns about the team’s circumstances. The players bemoaned the lack of attention from the government, citing a stark comparison with the treatment received by the Angolan team, who were provided with envelopes in front of them while the Ghanaian team lacked even basic amenities like water.
The Captain highlighted the team’s determination to honor Mr. Samson Deen, President of NPC Ghana and the African Paralympic Committee, for his unwavering support in meeting their needs, aided by Mr. Foster Kwarteng, Chairman of Amputee Football.
The Black Challenge is gearing up to take on Tanzania in the quarterfinals on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at 4 PM.
