By Simon Asare, GNA
Accra, March 20, GNA – The Ghana Cycling Federation (GCF) has donated a bicycle to long-distance rider Ibrahim Jazil Abanga after he completed a five‑day cycling expedition from Tamale to Accra to mark Ghana’s 69th Independence Day.
Abanga undertook the journey to promote national unity, youth empowerment and support for technical and vocational education.
The GCF said the gesture, made in partnership with the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Solidarity Programme, is intended to support grassroots cycling development and talent identification in northern Ghana.
Mr Shaaban Mohammed, GCF General Secretary said the federation was impressed by Abanga’s determination and long-term vision for using cycling as a tool for development.
“On behalf of the Federation President, we are donating this bicycle to Ibrahim Jazil Abanga. He rode from Tamale to Accra to celebrate our 69th anniversary of independence, and we were deeply touched by his effort,” Mohammed said.
He added that the rider’s original bicycle had mechanical problems, but the federation recognised his ambition to promote cycling across the northern regions and help identify new talent.
Mr Mohammed praised Abanga’s resilience during the 600–700 km journey, saying the federation hopes his example will encourage more young people to join the sport ahead of Ghana’s 70th Independence anniversary.
Abanga, who switched to cycling after a knee injury ended his football ambitions, said the expedition was part of a broader mission to advocate for unity and educational reform.
His first long-distance ride from Tamale to Yendi inspired him to pursue larger challenges, culminating in his most recent expedition.
He said discussions with the GCF aligned with his plans to use cycling for community outreach and youth mobilization.
“I rode from Tamale to Accra to raise awareness for the 69th Independence Day, focusing on national unity, youth empowerment and promoting technical and vocational education,” he said. “This act caught the attention of the Federation, and after sharing my future plans, they offered to donate this bicycle to support my drive to transform Ghana through adventure.”
Abanga thanked the UCI Solidarity Programme, the GCF leadership and the public for supporting his effort. He added that he hopes more bicycles would be made available to support environmental sustainability and reduce fuel consumption.
GNA
Kenneth Odeng Adade