By Abigail Grit
When Zinabu Issah steps into the throwing circle, years of sacrifice, resilience and determination come together in a single moment. As she launches the shot into the air, it is more than a test of strength it is the story of a woman who has overcome obstacles to become one of Ghana’s most celebrated para-athletes.
Issah’s rise to the top of para-athletics has been built on perseverance and an unwavering belief in her abilities. Competing in the F57 classification, she has developed into one of Ghana’s leading shot put and discus throwers, earning the right to compete against the world’s best while carrying the hopes of a nation.
Her journey reached a significant milestone at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, where she represented Ghana in the women’s F57 shot put and discus events. Wearing the national colours on the biggest stage in para-sport was not only a personal achievement but also a proud moment for Ghana, highlighting the country’s growing presence in international disability sport.
Away from the Paralympics, Issah has continued to impress on the global circuit. Consistent performances and podium finishes at major international competitions have established her as one of Africa’s top para-athletes and earned her widespread admiration within Ghana’s sporting community.
In recognition of her remarkable achievements, the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) named her Best Para Athlete of the Year in 2025, celebrating both her outstanding performances and her contribution to raising the profile of para-sport across the country.
Another defining chapter of her career came at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. With composure and determination, Issah produced one of the finest performances of her career to claim the silver medal in the women’s F57 shot put. It was one of Ghana’s standout moments at the Games and another reminder that the nation’s sporting excellence extends beyond traditional disciplines.
Yet, Issah’s impact cannot be measured by medals alone. Her journey has challenged perceptions of disability, inspired young athletes to dream beyond their circumstances, and demonstrated that excellence is achieved through courage, discipline and relentless hard work.
As Ghana continues to invest in para-sport, Zinabu Issah stands as a symbol of what is possible when talent is matched with opportunity. Every competition she enters carries a message that disability should never define ambition or limit achievement.
From representing Ghana at the Paralympic Games to standing on the Commonwealth Games podium, Zinabu Issah has become more than a medal-winning athlete. She is a trailblazer whose story continues to inspire hope, break barriers and redefine the future of disability sport in Ghana and beyond.
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.
