Ghana's Wheelchair Tennis Stars Shine at Ga Mantse Tournament as Federation Pushes for LA2028 Paralympic Push

Ghana's wheelchair tennis community has demonstrated remarkable talent and commitment at the Ga Mantse Tennis Tournament, with the Ghana Tennis Federation now urging corporate and government backing to help local athletes compete internationally ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympic Games.

The tournament showcased competitive divisions in both men's and women's wheelchair tennis, with Bernard Yawson claiming the men's title and runner-up honours going to Daniel Laryea. In the women's category, Stacy Konadu Mensah emerged champion, with Bridget Nartey finishing as runner-up. The event highlighted the growing calibre of wheelchair tennis talent within Ghana, drawing praise from Federation officials for the athletes' resilience and sportsmanship.

Bridging the Financing Gap for International Competition

Henry K. N. Larbi, National Coordinator of Ghana Wheelchair Tennis, has highlighted a critical challenge facing the country's para athletes: lack of funding for international participation. While Ghanaian players possess the talent and determination to compete at world level, limited financial resources prevent them from accessing the tournaments needed to build international rankings—a crucial requirement for Paralympic qualification.

International competition costs remain substantial, encompassing travel expenses, accommodation, tournament entry fees and specialised sports wheelchairs. These barriers have created a disparity between Ghana's wheelchair tennis talent and the opportunities available for development. Larbi's appeal signals an urgent need for structured sponsorship partnerships with private and public sector organisations.

Why This Matters for Ghana

Wheelchair tennis represents both an athletic opportunity and a broader platform for inclusion in Ghana. Beyond competition medals, the sport challenges public perceptions of persons with disabilities and demonstrates the capabilities of athletes within the country's para-sports ecosystem. Increased investment in wheelchair tennis would strengthen Ghana's presence at the Paralympic Games whilst promoting disability awareness domestically.

The Federation has also emphasised that tournaments like the Ga Mantse event are essential infrastructure for athlete development. They provide competitive experience, public visibility and measurable progress tracking—all critical for players aiming to qualify for LA2028. The recognition by organisers like Abusua of the importance of including wheelchair divisions sets a positive precedent for future competitions.

With the 2028 Paralympic Games fast approaching, the Ghana Tennis Federation has issued a direct appeal to corporate organisations, government agencies, development partners and private individuals to support wheelchair tennis players. The Federation has committed to expanding the sport nationwide, identifying emerging talent and creating pathways to elite-level competition. However, this vision depends fundamentally on securing consistent financial partnerships.

The success demonstrated at the Ga Mantse Tournament—with four finalists showcasing competitive excellence—suggests Ghana has the raw talent necessary to produce Paralympic contenders. What remains is ensuring these athletes have access to the international stage required to build their rankings and competitive credentials for Los Angeles 2028.