Zinabu’s Silver Medal Earns £2,000 Bonus
Ghana’s para athletes at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games are set to receive special financial rewards for podium finishes, with shot put silver medallist Zinabu Issah becoming the very first beneficiary.
The President of the National Paralympic Committee (NPC) Ghana, Samson Deen, has announced a special medal bonus package for Ghana’s para athletes competing at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, in recognition of their outstanding performances on the international stage.
Under the new Special Target Podium Medal Bonus initiative, athletes who win medals for Ghana will receive financial rewards of £3,000 for gold, £2,000 for silver, and £1,000 for bronze. The scheme has already benefited Ghana’s first medallist at the Games, Zinabu Issah, who will receive a £2,000 bonus reward after clinching silver in the Women’s T57 Shot Put event. Issah’s historic achievement marks Ghana’s first medal at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games and has placed the country’s para athletics team in the spotlight for delivering an early success on the global stage.
Announcing the initiative, Samson Deen said the programme was designed to celebrate excellence, encourage athletes to aim higher, and ensure that Ghana’s para stars receive the recognition and support they deserve for their dedication and sacrifices. He explained that the bonus scheme forms part of broader efforts by the NPC Ghana to improve athlete motivation and create a stronger support system for para sports in the country.
Beyond the Commonwealth Games, Deen revealed plans to expand the programme ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games, through the Follow My Athlete Scheme, which is expected to provide more structured backing for athletes as they prepare for major international competitions. The initiative is aimed at ensuring that athletes receive sustained support throughout their preparation, rather than only being celebrated after winning medals.
Zinabu Issah’s silver medal has therefore not only delivered Ghana’s first podium success in Glasgow but has also triggered the first reward under a programme expected to inspire more para athletes to pursue excellence. The NPC Ghana believes the recognition will contribute to raising the profile of para sports and encourage more investment in athletes representing the nation at global competitions.
As Ghana continues its campaign at the Commonwealth Games, attention will now turn to other athletes hoping to add more medals and further strengthen the country’s presence in para sports.
Author: Joyce Owusu
