Audio By Carbonatix
Newly elected President of the African Paralympics Committee, Samson Deen says his unique leadership style will drive the sport on the continent to a higher threshold of development.
Samson Deen, who was elected at the just ended General Assembly in Rabat, takes over from Angolan, Leonel da Rocha Pinto who has been at the helm for 13 years.
Deen's election is the first time a Ghanaian has risen to level of managing para-sports on the continental stage.
The Ghana National Paralympic Committee President polled 24 of the total votes (41) cast and had closely behind him president of the Morocco Paralympic committee, Hamid El Aouni polling 15 votes.
Samson Deen moments after the triumph, explained to Joy Sports why his leadership would differ from what the Committee has experienced in the last decade.
"I promise an assurance to Africans, as I said in front of delegates. I told them 'a vote for Samson Deen, is a vote for leadership'.
"I am born to lead and I have examples to prove. They know what I can do. In fact at Congress, they attest to the fact that - in all motions I supported won, because we knew that we needed those changes in our constitution and in our paralympic movement in Africa," he said.
Deen was elected President of the National Paralympics Committee in 2019 and was endorsed by Ministry of Youth and Sports who were represented by the Deputy Sports Minister Evans Bobie Opoku in Rabat.
The Member of Parliament for the Asunafo North Constituency in the Brong-Ahafo Region was excited to witness a big win for Ghana.
"We are so glad and excited that a Ghanaian has been elected as an African Paralympic Committee president. In that way, the African Paralympic Committee HQ is going to be in Ghana and so we are happy.
"We are waiting for Deen and his team to come out of the room and the celebration and excitement will begin," he said to Joy Sports.
Positions of President, Secretary General, Vice president Treasurer and representatives from the language communities (Arabic, English , French and Portuguese ) and the Athletes representative were contested .
Samson Deen was grateful to H.E President Akufo-Addo for the support throughout the process of campaigning and at the General Assembly in Rabat.
"You need to understand the terrain and understand what really is the message. Our message won and I'll say thank you to the people of Ghana, to Joy, thank you" Deen said.
Ghana is aiming to become the first country to host the African Games alongside an African Para Games in 2023 and Deen’s election is viewed as a huge boost to achieving that.
Latest Stories
-
Constitution review process smooth and thorough – Professor Prempeh
3 minutes -
Public urged to remain vigilant to ensure fire incident-free Christmas
6 minutes -
Why the fight against neglected tropical diseases is far from over
8 minutes -
Reported losses from gold operations in 2025 remain speculative – BoG
38 minutes -
Fighting AIDS and STIs in Africa: UNFPA equips youth to turn data into action
53 minutes -
Amaarae returns to Accra for homecoming concert
55 minutes -
5-year term will be harsher on presidents, not kinder, says Constitution Review Chair
1 hour -
BoG set to exit gold trading business, describes IMF’s losses tag as premature
1 hour -
Minerals Commission Board member warns Blue Water Guards against bribes
1 hour -
Santasi–Ahodwo dualisation takes off; businesses given final eviction deadline
1 hour -
Proposed 5-year presidential term will not apply to current President – Prof Prempeh
2 hours -
Key observations on the Constitutional Review Commission Report submitted to President Mahama
2 hours -
Video: JoyNews engages Prof Kwasi H. Prempeh on proposed constitutional reforms
2 hours -
Awaso STEM SHS matron, cook remanded for allegedly stealing food items
2 hours -
Deputy Finance Minister hails ADB’s remarkable turnaround, record growth and rising confidence
2 hours
