The Ghana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) has finalised its preparations ahead of the 13th African Games aka Accra 2023 and named a squad of 12 athletes (seven male and five female) who will represent the nation at the prestigious event.
GTTA technical director Charles Tachie Menson said strategy, experience and tactical qualities of players were considerd in picking the squad.
The selected male athletes include Samuel Akayede, Bernard Joe Sam, James Marfo, Israel Aklie, Ernest Mawutor Quarcoo, Felix Lartey, and Emmanuel Commey.
The female contingent comprises Cynthia Kwabi, Joanita Borteye, Celia Baah Danso, Eva Adom Amankwa, and Bernice B. Borquaye.
While all the women selected will represent the nation at the African Games, the men’s team will pick only five making the final cut.
The 13th African Games is a qualifying platform for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
Menson remains optimistic about Ghana’s prospects, despite big names like Nigeria, Egypt and South Africa.
“Ghana used to be one of the best in Africa in the 70s, Egypt and Nigeria took over, and they are really ahead of us, but no matter what, we still have to fight on and make sure that we do our best. I know that once we put certain things in place, we will also get there.”
By Sammy Heywood Okine