President of the National Paralympic Committee of Ghana, Samson Deen, has urged the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to extend its support to other sports federations to promote equal opportunities and development across the country’s sporting disciplines.
He made the appeal during Gold Fields Ghana Limited’s visit to the Black Challenge’s camp at Mendiata Hotel in Accra, where he expressed appreciation to the company and the GFA for their support for the amputee football team.
Deen described the support as a significant moment for amputee football, saying it was something the team had been hoping to receive for many years.
“We are very grateful to the Ghana Football Association and Gold Fields. This is what we have been looking for, for many years,” he said.
However, he stressed that the support should not be limited to the Black Challenge but should be extended to other sporting disciplines.
“It shouldn’t end with us. They should spread it to all the other sports federations. We needed to help one another,” he appealed.
According to him, greater cooperation among sporting institutions would help other federations attract sponsors, access development opportunities and give their athletes the recognition they deserve.
He acknowledged the frustration athletes sometimes experience when they feel their needs receive less attention than those of other sporting disciplines, calling for stronger collaboration to address the situation.
Addressing the Black Challenge players, Deen also encouraged them to remain focused despite their outstanding 2024 bonuses.
Although he did not announce a specific payment date, he expressed confidence that the players would eventually receive their outstanding bonuses.
“What you need is this recognition, this recognition that you are getting today,” he told the team.
He further recalled Gold Fields’ previous contributions to Ghanaian football and welcomed the company’s support for amputee football.
Deen thanked the company for its commitment and urged the players to appreciate the opportunity and encouragement they were receiving.
“We appreciate what you have done. God bless you for what you have done,” he said.
He maintained that corporate support, institutional cooperation and the determination of athletes were necessary to ensure the continued growth of sports in Ghana.
