The Ghana National Paralympic Committee president, Samson Deen has urged Ghana’s sporting fraternity to embrace discipline, institutional leadership and unity as the foundation for attracting sustainable investment into sports.
Speaking at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel on Tuesday during the presentation of a GH¢800,000 sponsorship package by the EEZZY Group Foundation to the Ghana Olympic Committee/Commonwealth Games Association Ghana ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games, scheduled to take place in Glasgow from July 23 to August 2, 2026, the President of the Ghana National Paralympic Committee challenged sports leaders to build credible institutions capable of earning the confidence of corporate Ghana
His message emphasized that corporate organizations are willing to invest in sports, but only when they see professionalism, transparency and coordinated leadership.
“How do you expect a sponsor to carry money and dump the money into confusion? It’s not possible,” Mr. Deen said.
He explained that sponsorship is earned through credible governance, accountability and trust rather than emotional appeals or fragmented fundraising efforts. According to him, sports institutions must become dependable organizations capable of managing resources responsibly if they expect long-term corporate partnerships.
Reflecting on reforms introduced after assuming office as President of the Ghana National Paralympic Committee in 2019, Mr. Deen revealed that one of his earliest decisions was to prohibit athletes from publicly soliciting financial support through radio interviews, letters or individual appeals.
He recalled instructing athletes that fundraising was the responsibility of the institution—not individual competitors.
“I told my athletes, if I am the President, you cannot seek support on radio. You cannot write letters asking for support. If I see your letter, I will stop it.“
He explained that the decision was intended to eliminate the damaging perception that Paralympians were beggars and instead position the movement as a respected national institution worthy of investment.
Today, he noted, official requests from the Paralympic Committee receive greater respect because they are presented through established institutional structures rather than individual appeals.
Mr. Deen also urged all sporting disciplines—including athletics, swimming, para sports and every national federation—to work together under one united vision.
He stressed that internal divisions weaken the sports sector and discourage investment, while unity strengthens the ability to advocate for athletes and influence national policy.
“Sports is a family. If you are a sports person, we are one family. Let us come together. Let us stop destroying ourselves.”
He further reminded stakeholders that genuine transformation requires decisive action rather than slogans.
“It’s not by the words, ‘Reset, Reset.’ No. It is by action.”
Drawing from his experience during the organization of the 2023 African Games, Mr. Deen acknowledged the enormous financial and operational pressures encountered, including exchange-rate volatility, funding shortages and logistical challenges.
Despite these obstacles, he praised the dedication of officials and volunteers who sacrificed personal resources to ensure the successful delivery of the Games.
He paid particular tribute to individuals who invested their own funds to resolve urgent operational challenges, describing such acts as examples of true leadership and commitment to national service.
Mr. Deen further revealed that while robust disagreements often occurred behind closed doors, sports leaders maintained unity publicly in the interest of Ghanaian sports.
“Inside the room we fought. But when we came outside, we led together and cleaned the mess.”
The EEZZY Group Foundation’s GH¢800,000 sponsorship has been widely welcomed as a demonstration of how strategic partnerships between corporate Ghana and the sporting community can create lasting national impact.
The Foundation’s support is expected to strengthen Team Ghana’s preparations for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow while inspiring greater private-sector investment in sports development.
Stakeholders described the initiative as more than a financial contribution, calling it a strong vote of confidence in Ghana’s athletes and an investment in national pride.
As Team Ghana intensifies preparations for Glasgow 2026, Mr. Deen’s message resonated throughout the ceremony: sustainable success in sports will be built not only through financial support, but through disciplined leadership, institutional credibility, unity and collective responsibility.
With the EEZZY Group Foundation leading the way, the event concluded with a renewed call on government, corporate Ghana and all sports stakeholders to unite behind Team Ghana and help build a stronger, more respected and globally competitive sporting nation.
Samuel Kwame Boadu is a Ghanaian media entrepreneur and storyteller with a passion for amplifying urban voices and uncovering everyday truths. He is the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of The Accra Daily Mail, a dynamic digital platform dedicated to capturing the pulse of Ghana’s capital—its people, culture, challenges, business, sports and innovations.
