{
  "id": 308212,
  "title": "ROAD TO LA28: Ghana Para Powerlifters head to Russia as ‘Target the Podium’ initiative gains momentum",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/08/road-to-la28-ghana-para-powerlifters-head-to-russia-as-target-the",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-08T10:51:09.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
    "slug": "myjoyonline-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.myjoyonline.com/road-to-la28-ghana-para-powerlifters-head-to-russia-as-target-the-podium-initiative-gains-momentum/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Ghana’s ambition to compete in the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games has gained momentum as the national Para Powerlifting Team heads to Russia for the 2026 International Para Powerlifting Competition. The five-member Ghanaian team, comprising athletes Francis Kwaku, Nfodzo Patrick, and Obeng Samuel, along with Lead Coach Toulassi Frank and Assistant Coach Oheneadu George, are part of the National Paralympic Committee of Ghana’s (NPC Ghana) ‘Target the Podium’ initiative. The initiative aims to prepare Ghanaian para-athletes for high-level international competitions, with the ultimate goal of challenging for medals at the LA28 Paralympics. Driven by NPC Ghana President Samson Deen, the ‘Target the Podium’ initiative is supported by the Russian Paralympic Committee, providing an important platform for Ghanaian athletes to gain valuable international experience, build confidence, and develop technical skills. President Deen emphasized the significance of participating in international competitions like the Russian event, stating that they serve as stepping stones towards representing Ghana successfully on the world stage, with Los Angeles 2028 remaining the ultimate target.",
  "summary": "The five-member Team Ghana delegation comprises three para-powerlifting athletes - Francis Kwaku, Nfodzo Patrick and Obeng Samuel - together with Lead Coach Toulassi Frank and Assistant Coach Oheneadu George.",
  "key_points": [
    "Ghana Para Powerlifting Team heads to Russia for 2026 International Para Powerlifting Competition",
    "'Target the Podium' initiative aims to prepare Ghanaian para-athletes for LA28 Paralympics",
    "Russian Paralympic Committee supports initiative, providing valuable international experience"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "GBC Ghana",
        "title": "IMF revises Ghana’s debt distress rating to moderate following stability gains",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/08/imf-revises-ghanas-debt-distress-rating-to-moderate-following",
        "published": "2026-08-08T12:55:39.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}