Ghana’s Black Challenge has received a major financial boost ahead of the 2026 Amputee World Cup after Gold Fields pledged $500,000 to support the team’s campaign in Mexico.
The pledge was announced as the Ghana Paralympic Committee unveiled the Black Challenge squad at the ESP Hotel in Accra ahead of the tournament scheduled for November 13 to 22 in San Juan de los Lagos.
Of the pledged amount, $250,000 is expected to support the team’s preparations for the World Cup.
Minister for Sports and Recreation Kofi Adams, who attended the ceremony, welcomed the support and called on other corporate organisations to invest in the team before the competition rather than waiting for success before offering assistance.
“These gentlemen deserve our attention and support. Their story should not be important only when they win something. Don’t wait for them to win a trophy, help them to win the trophies. We must start with the preparation, the difficult moment and the journey itself,” Mr Adams said.
He also assured the team of the government’s commitment to supporting its preparations and resolving outstanding issues surrounding pledges made to the players.
“I’ve requested your leaders to bring all documentation so we can follow up on the pledges or promises that have been made verbally, so we can find a way to resolve those things,” he said.
President of the National Paralympic Committee of Ghana, Samson Deen, also announced financial incentives for the squad under the NPC Ghana Target the Podium Initiative.
Each player will receive GH¢10,000, while each official will receive GH¢5,000 if the team meets the target set under the initiative.
Mr Deen said the package was intended to boost morale in camp and assist the players with practical needs ahead of their campaign.
He also urged the players to maintain discipline, respect their coaches, protect their fitness and make effective use of every training session.
“When you wear the national colours, you represent people from every part of Ghana. Carry that responsibility with confidence,” he said.
The Black Challenge are expected to step up their preparations with a training camp in Turkey next month before travelling to Mexico for the World Cup.
The 2026 Amputee World Cup will be held from November 13 to 22 in San Juan de los Lagos, Mexico.
