By Simon Asare, GNA Special Correspondent
Glasgow, (Scotland), July 24, GNA – Team Ghana made a colourful entrance at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Commonwealth Games on Thursday as King Charles III officially declared the multi-sport event open in Glasgow.
The Ghanaian contingent, comprising 40 athletes, drew attention with their traditional kente attire as they joined more than 3,000 competitors from across the Commonwealth at the ceremony held at the OVO Hydro Arena.
Ghana’s athletes would compete in athletics, boxing, track cycling, judo, para powerlifting, para swimming, swimming and weightlifting during the Games, which runs over the next 10 days.
The opening ceremony blended Scottish culture, innovation and entertainment, with King Charles and Queen Camilla making a dramatic entrance inspired by the British science-fiction series Doctor Who.
The ceremony featured a giant curved LED screen depicting a journey across Scotland, including landmarks such as Loch Ness, Edinburgh Castle and The Kelpies.
The King later declared the Games open, welcoming athletes and visitors to Glasgow, which previously hosted the event in 2014.
“Over the next ten days, we will certainly thrive here in Glasgow, as the city once again welcomes the Commonwealth family with warm hearts and open arms,” King Charles said.
“I extend my warmest gratitude to the city of Glasgow, to all the athletes, the organisers, volunteers and all who have made this event possible.”
Scotland is hosting the Commonwealth Games for a fourth time, with athletes competing in 10 sports and six para-sports across venues spread along an eight-mile corridor in Glasgow.
Incentive package for Ghanaian athletes
Mr Kofi Iddie Adams, the Minister for Sports and Recreation, announced an increase in government incentives for medal-winning athletes in a bid to inspire the country to end its 20-year wait for Commonwealth Games gold.
Ghana’s track and field legend Ignisious Gaisah and late Majetie Fetrie were the last to win gold medals for Ghana in Melbourne.
The Sports Minister announced that any Ghanaian athlete who wins gold in Glasgow would receive $10,000, double the amount offered at the previous Games.
He also pledged an additional personal contribution of $1,000 to any gold medallist.
“At the last Commonwealth Games, gold winners were assured of $5,000. We have decided to increase the prize for any athlete who wins a gold medal to $10,000,” Adams told Team Ghana during a meeting in Glasgow.
Ghana at the Commonwealth Games
Ghana has won 41 medals in Commonwealth Games history — four gold, 17 silver and 20 bronze — and would be seeking to improve on the five medals secured at the Birmingham Games four years ago.
With a blend of experienced athletes and emerging talents, Team Ghana would be aiming to add to the nation’s medal tally.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Simon Asare
Email: [email protected]