Samson Deen, the President of the African Paralympic Committee, has been re-elected as the President of the Ghana Paralympic Committee at its 2024 Elective General Assembly, held today, October 10, 2024, at the Accra Digital Centre.
Running unopposed, Deen was declared the winner by Madam Abigail D.A. Nutakor, the Presiding Officer from Ghana's Electoral Commission. Deen first assumed the role in 2019 after a closely contested election where he narrowly defeated Shabaan Mohammed, the Technical Director of the Ghana Cycling Association, by a vote of seven to six.
In his post-election remarks, Deen outlined his vision for the next four years, focusing on strengthening Ghana's representation at the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, USA.
“The members of the Paralympic movement have entrusted me to continue in this role,” Deen said. “Today’s election shows we have new energy and a fresh approach to ensuring that Ghana competes at the LA 2028 Paralympic Games. Our goal as the NPC board is to lay a strong foundation for para-sports associations in Ghana, which will enable us to develop world-class athletes for international competitions.”
Deen’s first term saw notable achievements, including Ghana's successful hosting of the inaugural African Para Games, where the national Amputee Football Team, also known as the Black Challenge, emerged as champions. Earlier this year, Ghana’s Amputee Football team also won the African title by defeating Morocco. Under Deen’s leadership, Ghana qualified for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
In addition to his role as NPC Ghana President, Deen serves as President of the African Paralympic Committee (APC). He was elected to this position after securing 24 votes, surpassing Morocco's Hamid El Aouni, who received 15 votes, thus succeeding Leonel da Rocha Pinto, who led the APC for 13 years.
During the NPC Ghana elections, Evans Yeboah was elected Vice President, Henry Larbi as Secretary, and Richard Teinor as Treasurer. Four additional executive members—Iddriss Ayishetu Farida, Foster Kwarteng, Mary Apedo, and Anthony Gyening—were also voted onto the board.