Ghana’s journey towards the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games has taken another major step as the national Para Powerlifting Team competes at the 2026 International Para Powerlifting Competition in Russia.

The five-member Team Ghana delegation comprises three para-powerlifting athletes - Francis Kwaku, Nfodzo Patrick and Obeng Samuel - together with Lead Coach Toulassi Frank and Assistant Coach Oheneadu George.

The team’s participation forms part of the National Paralympic Committee of Ghana’s ambitious ‘Target the Podium’ Initiative, a strategic programme focused on preparing Ghanaian para-athletes for high-level international competition and ultimately the LA28 Paralympic Games.

Driven by the leadership of NPC Ghana President Samson Deen, Target the Podium has one clear objective: to build Ghanaian para-athletes with the international experience, confidence, technical preparation and medal-winning mentality required to challenge for the Paralympic podium.

Ghana’s participation is being supported by the National Paralympic Committee of Ghana in partnership with the Russian Paralympic Committee, providing another important international platform for the athletes to test themselves against strong opposition and continue their development towards Los Angeles 2028.

The competition takes place from 8-9 August 2026, with the Ghanaian delegation scheduled to depart Russia on 10 August.

President Samson Deen, in a message delivered to the athletes through their coaching team ahead of the competition, urged them to understand the bigger national mission behind their journey.

“Our objective is to continue creating opportunities for our para-athletes to compete internationally, develop their confidence and gain the experience required to represent Ghana successfully on the world stage.

“Los Angeles 2028 remains an important target, and every quality international competition forms part of that development journey.”

For Francis Kwaku, Nfodzo Patrick and Obeng Samuel, every lift in Russia represents another opportunity to gain valuable international experience, measure their progress against international opposition and strengthen their competitive mentality.

For Lead Coach Toulassi Frank and Assistant Coach Oheneadu George, the competition provides an equally important opportunity to assess the athletes under international competitive conditions and identify areas for further technical improvement as Ghana intensifies preparations towards LA28.