Raphael Botsyo - The man who changed Para sport in Ghana.
Raphael carried Ghana’s flag at the Opening Ceremony of the Athens 2004 Paralympic Games. Invited as a wild card, it was his first major competition. Four years later, Raphael would again be the only male Paralympian from Ghana to represent his country at Beijing 2008.
Raphael’s early experience competing as a Para athlete was a solitary experience. But over the years the Ghanian Para Athletics team has grown alongside his presence within the team. In attending his fourth Commonwealth Games in Glasgow next month, Raphael will secure legendary status amongst his Wheelchair racing peers.
Growing up in rural Ghana, Raphael contracted polio at a young age, which affected his ability to use his legs. Life was difficult for Raphael growing up with a disability, and he faced discrimination and limited opportunities within his community.
“The community did not accept me well because of my disability. It wasn’t easy.”
Raphael’s father was a police officer and eventually moved the family across the country, where Raphael witnessed other people with disabilities participating in sports such as Basketball and Tennis.
For the first time, Raphael saw his disability as something that didn’t stop him from participating in sports and instead made it accessible.
“I saw that they were throwing a ball at one another. It was something I saw and right away fell in love with.”
From there, Raphael never looked back, competing in Wheelchair Tennis and Wheelchair Basketball.
He was eventually called up to represent Ghana at the Paralympics 100m and 200m T54 category the only male Para athlete from Ghana to do so in Athens 2004.
As flag bearer, Raphael felt pride in his country as well as himself. For the next three Paralympics, Raphael would continue to act as flag bearer, with the number of Para athletes from Ghana increasing each time, marking a change in attitude towards Para athletes in the region.
“In the media, I used to have to phone up and beg to get media coverage for a Para story.
“Now, they chase me every day, they say ‘what do you have, what news is out there?’ The fight of creating opportunities for the younger ones, I have done it.”
Raphael has competed at the Commonwealth Games since 2014, and is recognised amongst the Ghana Para team as a veteran competitor and someone the athletes can go to when they need advice and support.
Despite his longevity and multiple appearances at major events, Raphael would rather be remembered for his efforts in increasing Para sport participation in Ghana.
The ‘Go Get Dem Club’ was established by Raphael in 2012 to help improve the lives of disabled people in Ghana, especially in rural areas. The club has already seen three generations of athletes come through the doors, with 15 athletes going on to compete in Para Athletics, Wheelchair Basketball and Hand Cycling.
“The whole idea is to pass on the baton and make people realise that disability is not inability.
“We need an equal platform to bring out all the talent that would be beneficial for Ghana.”
Raphael attended the Commonwealth Sport GAPS camp in Stellenbosch in 2026, delivering a support network and the connections to other athletes who have similar stories to tell. The camp also provided the competition environment to qualify for Glasgow 2026.
“The different groups come together to practice sport, it's so amazing. I love it because it brings some unity to us all.
“I really salute GAPS for what they are doing with athletes and creating the opportunities for them all the time.”
With seemingly no plans to retire soon, Raphael wants to keep pushing for Para sport representation and continue to fight for the next generation of Ghana’s Para athletes.
“I don’t want to be remembered as a three-time Paralympian, three-time Commonwealth athlete, I just want to be remembered for the impact I made in the lives of other people.”
Raphael is hoping that his time in Glasgow will allow him to continue raising awareness for Para athletes across the Commonwealth whilst also competing for a Commonwealth Games medal.
When he leads his team out at the Opening Ceremony, his eyes will be firmly fixed on the podium and on the future of Ghana’s Para athletes.
Watch Raphael's Story Here...
GAPS is a multi-stakeholder partnership programme developed for emerging athletes and coaches, providing access to additional skills, knowledge and resources with the aim of advancing education, removing barriers to participation, and supporting the development of inclusive sports pathways that promote positive social change in sport and local communities.
