The President of the Africa Paralympic Committee (APC), Samson Deen, has expressed confidence that Africa will win more medals at this year’s Paralympic Games than in previous editions.

Africa secured a total of seventy-nine (79) medals at the Rio 2016 Games and sixty-three (63) medals in Tokyo.

In a letter addressed to the Para athletes ahead of the Paralympic Games, set to commence on 28th August in Paris, France, the President of the APC expressed his belief that the medal count will rise this year.

"I have observed the performance of our dear athletes in the last three editions of the Games: London 2012, Rio 2016, and Tokyo 2020. In the last two, we secured seventy-nine (79) and sixty-three (63) medals, respectively. I have no doubt that our gallant athletes in this year's Paralympic Games will shine once again and surpass the previous medal hauls," he said.

Below is the full statement from the APC President:

The much-awaited Paris 2024 Paralympic Games begin today, with over 45 National Paralympic Committees and hundreds of athletes across all sports codes poised to defend and make Africa proud in the greatest multi-Para sports event in the world.

In this regard, I wish to first of all congratulate all the NPCs and our gallant athletes, who made it through the qualifiers to the ultimate -Paris 2024 Games. Though the journey was not easy, but with determination and sacrifice, Africa is at the Games.

As the leader of the Africa region, I have observed the performance of our dear athletes in recent three past editions of the Games, i.e London 2012, Rio 2016, and Tokyo 2020, and with the last two, seventy-nine (79) and sixty-three (63) medals respectively.

I've no doubt that our gallant athletes in this year's Paralympic Games will shine and overperform the previous medal hauls.

I and the leadership of the African continent are very much aware of the difficulties you athletes face in your sport.

Your journey up to this stage where you're representing your respective countries has not been without challenges.

However, I am personally motivated by your character traits and self-motivation, determination, and encouragement that drive you to perform and achieve the ultimate goal of success.

I wish to admonish you to hold on to these values, as you compete in this year's Games against all odds and come out victorious in this pursuit.

Remember, celebration and rewards await you as you shine in Paris.

Therefore, I urge you to push beyond your limits.

Ghana will be hoping to win its first medal at the quadrennial event, despite having made six appearances since her debut in Athens in 2004.

Ghana will open her campaign with Frederick Asor in the Men's B 4000m Individual Pursuit Qualifying on Thursday, 29th August 2024, before Patricia Kyerema faces Eleni Papastamatopoulou from Greece in the round of 16 of the Women's K44 +65kg.