Three-time Ghanaian Paralympian and founder of the Gogetdem Wheelchair Racing Club, Raphael Botsyo Nkegbe, is appealing for financial support to compete in the upcoming OCC Marathon in South Africa from 12-16 March 2025.

Nkegbe’s club, established in 2010, has nurtured between 10 and 15 para-athletes for the national team.

Over the past eight years, they have competed at the OCC tournament, with their most recent success coming last year, when they secured two gold medals and one silver.

Now, Nkegbe and his teammates, Emmanuel Kwasi Gyasi, Sulley Sagbarigu, and Patrick Kodom—are hoping to defend their title in South Africa.
However, financial constraints threaten their participation.

"Securing funds to travel and compete has been a major challenge," Nkegbe said.

"We have been training since January and are determined to make our nation proud, but we have reached a point where we cannot proceed without financial backing."

As both an athlete and a mentor, Nkegbe is committed to developing the next generation of Ghanaian para-athletes.

"I do my best to support the team, but with help from well-meaning individuals and organisations, these young athletes can become a valuable asset to the nation.

"We are preparing them not only for this competition but also to represent Ghana at future national and international events, including the LA Paralympics."

The team is calling on individuals and corporate bodies to assist in making their journey to South Africa possible.