Ghana and Togo are collaborating to elevate Cerebral Palsy (CP) sports, particularly football, across West Africa.
The initiative gained momentum during recent discussions in Lomé, where Ghanaian CP football advocate Emmanuel Akpabli joined Togolese counterparts to outline strategies for regional growth. The talks coincided with Togo’s 65th independence anniversary celebrations, underscoring a shared commitment to inclusivity in sports.
Akpabli, president of Ghana’s Ayawaso Cerebral Palsy Football Club and welfare officer for the national amputee team Black Challenge—recent African champions—described the Lomé meeting as productive. Held at the Olympic Stadium, the dialogue focused on creating interregional tournaments and expanding participation to other West African nations. “CP football has immense potential,” Akpabli said. “Players are eager to compete, entertain, and inspire. Involving more countries will amplify these benefits.”
The partnership aims to integrate athletes with disabilities into mainstream sporting activities while addressing logistical and financial barriers. Akpabli highlighted six years of behind-the-scenes groundwork, including international training programs that have strengthened Ghana’s CP football framework. He appealed to corporations and philanthropists to support infrastructure development and competition funding.
Plans include establishing a West African CP football league, which organizers believe will foster talent and raise awareness. The effort aligns with broader regional goals to promote adaptive sports, following the success of Ghana’s amputee football team and rising interest in para-athletics.
This collaboration reflects a growing recognition of adaptive sports as a vehicle for social inclusion in West Africa. While challenges like funding and accessibility persist, cross-border initiatives could catalyze policy reforms and public engagement. Ghana and Togo’s partnership may set a precedent for neighboring countries, leveraging sport to challenge stereotypes and empower athletes with disabilities. As global interest in para-sports surges, such regional alliances could position West Africa as a emerging hub for inclusive athletic development.
