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
-
Mary Anane Awuku rejects caning, advocates counselling and parental involvement
3 minutes -
Many people don’t like sharing their success tips – Mary Anane Awuku
6 minutes -
Resurrection of GN Savings and Loans will be tough – Joe Jackson
8 minutes -
SanlamAllianz Life sponsors four Ghanaian athletes for 2026 Cape Town Marathon
10 minutes -
CBG deepens financial inclusion drive with expansion of agency banking network
22 minutes -
Non-Performing Loans decline to 18% nut elevated risk remains – BoG
27 minutes -
Cocoa farmers in Ahondwo area appeal for clinic, support services
31 minutes -
Building collapse kills at least 9 people in Morocco’s Fez
32 minutes -
Congo police fire warning shots in burial dispute after suspected Ebola death
36 minutes -
Security officers involved in galamsey will face the law — Lands Ministry
37 minutes -
Keta MCE supports Keta FC with GH¢10,000 ahead of Middle League
38 minutes -
Livestream: JoyNews National Dialogue on Ghana’s youth and climate change
40 minutes -
Wontumi’s fate near as court gives final deadline for witnesses
41 minutes -
We have done no wrong – Group Ndoum says following court victory
43 minutes -
Dr. Gideon Boako warns banks may reject some forex deposits from next month
45 minutes