By Simon Asare, GNA
Accra, July 20, GNA – The National Paralympic Committee (NPC) Ghana has intensified efforts to strengthen the technical foundation of para sport by facilitating Ghana’s participation at the 2026 International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Annual Classification Meeting in Bonn, Germany.
The four-day meeting, held from July 15 to 18, brought together classification leaders, medical experts, researchers, International Federations, National Paralympic Committees and technical classifiers from around the world to discuss developments in athlete classification and promote best practices across the Paralympic Movement.
Dr Eric Tetteh Ayertey, a member of NPC Ghana’s Medical, Classification and Anti-Doping Team, represented the country at the event.
His participation was fully sponsored by NPC Ghana under the leadership of its President, Mr. Samson Deen, as part of efforts to build world-class technical expertise within Ghana’s Paralympic Movement.
During the meeting, Dr Ayertey took part in technical workshops, educational sessions, policy discussions and strategic engagements aimed at advancing athlete classification systems.
He also interacted with leading international experts, exchanged knowledge on current classification practices and established professional networks expected to support the growth of Ghana’s national classification programme.
A highlight of the meeting was the 2026 IPC Classification Recognition Awards, which honoured four international classification leaders for their contributions to strengthening classification systems and safeguarding the integrity of Paralympic sport.
NPC Ghana said the knowledge and experience gained from the meeting would help improve the country’s classification capacity, support the training of local classifiers and enhance services available to athletes, while ensuring Ghana remains aligned with international standards.
Speaking on the significance of the initiative, Mr. Samson Deen stressed the importance of investing in technical development alongside athlete preparation.
“Developing world-class technical expertise is just as important as preparing elite athletes. At NPC Ghana, we remain committed to investing in our Medical, Classification and Anti-Doping Team because a strong classification system is fundamental to fair competition and the sustainable growth of para sport.
“Sponsoring Ghana’s participation at the IPC Annual Classification Meeting reflects our vision of building a technically strong and internationally respected Paralympic movement,” he said.
Mr Deen noted that education, research and international collaboration remained key pillars of NPC Ghana’s long-term strategy to develop highly skilled technical personnel capable of supporting Ghanaian athletes throughout their sporting careers.
He said the Committee would continue to create opportunities for medical and technical personnel to participate in international education programmes, conferences and certification initiatives to ensure Ghana remains among the leading nations in Paralympic sport development on the continent.
The participation of Dr Ayertey in the annual meeting marks another step in NPC Ghana’s efforts to strengthen institutional capacity, promote excellence in athlete classification and enhance the country’s readiness for major international competitions.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Simon Asare