Ghanaian wheelchair racer Raphael Botsyo Nkegbe has urged the government to prioritise investment in athlete preparation rather than focusing mainly on rewarding medal winners after competitions.

Botsyo made the call after competing in the Men’s 1500m T54 Final at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, where he argued that adequate preparation, equipment and support are key to achieving success on the international stage.

“I’d prefer Government invest $9,000 in my preparation and give me $1,000 if I win gold,” Botsyo said after his race.

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The veteran para-athlete said Ghana’s sports funding approach must shift from celebrating athletes after victories to providing the resources needed to help them compete effectively.

According to him, para-athletes require proper training, specialised equipment, sports science support and regular international exposure to compete with the world’s best.

Botsyo, who has represented Ghana for more than two decades, said the country has talented athletes capable of winning medals but often lacks the investment needed to turn that potential into consistent success.

He revealed that he has had to personally finance some of his specialised racing equipment throughout his career, a situation he believes must change if Ghana wants to improve its performance at major international competitions.

The wheelchair racing legend stressed that investing in athletes before competitions would provide better results than offering larger bonuses after medals have been won.

He, however, acknowledged the efforts of the leadership of the National Paralympic Committee (NPC) Ghana for supporting and preparing Team Ghana ahead of the Commonwealth Games despite limited resources.

Botsyo has now shifted his focus to the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games and is calling for a long-term strategy that prioritises athlete development and preparation.

He believes a stronger investment model will give Ghanaian athletes a better chance of achieving success on the global stage.

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