Accra: Ghanaian wheelchair racer Raphael Botsyo Nkegbe has urged the government to prioritise investment in athlete preparation rather than focusing mainly on rewarding medal winners after competitions. Botsyo made the call after competing in the Men's 1500m T54 Final at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, where he argued that adequate preparation, equipment, and support are key to achieving success on the international stage.
According to Ghana Web, Botsyo stated, "I'd prefer Government invest $9,000 in my preparation and give me $1,000 if I win gold," highlighting his belief that a shift in funding from post-victory bonuses to pre-competition preparation would be more beneficial. The veteran para-athlete emphasized that Ghana's sports funding approach must transition from celebrating athletes after victories to providing the necessary resources to help them compete effectively.
Botsyo pointed out that para-athletes require proper training, specialised equipment, sports science support, and regular international exposure to compete with the world's best. Although he has represented Ghana for over two decades and recognizes the country's potential to win medals, he noted that the lack of investment often hinders consistent success on the international stage. He shared his personal struggles of having to finance some of his specialised racing equipment, a situation he believes must change for Ghana to improve its performance in major competitions.
The wheelchair racing legend stressed that investing in athletes before competitions would yield better results than offering larger bonuses after medals have been won. Despite the challenges, he acknowledged the efforts of the leadership of the National Paralympic Committee (NPC) Ghana for supporting and preparing Team Ghana ahead of the Commonwealth Games, even with limited resources.
Looking ahead, Botsyo has now shifted his focus to the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games and is advocating for a long-term strategy that prioritises athlete development and preparation. He believes that a stronger investment model will give Ghanaian athletes a better chance of achieving success on the global stage.