Samson Deen is the African Paralympic Committee President
President John Dramani Mahama has has formally appointed Samson Deen, to serve consecutively as a Member of the Governing Board of the National Sports Authority (NSA), pursuant to Section 4 of the Sports Act, 2016 (Act 934).
The appointment, communicated through an official invitation by the Ministry of Sports and Recreation underscores Government’s continued confidence in Deen’s leadership, experience, and contribution to sports development in Ghana and across Africa.
Section 4 of the Sports Act, 2016 establishes the Governing Board of the National Sports Authority (NSA) and clearly defines:
•The composition of the Board
•The appointment process
•The tenure and authority of Board Members
•The oversight and governance responsibilities of the Board
By expressly referencing Section 4, the Ministry affirms that Samson Deen’s appointment is statutory, not discretionary, positioning him as part of the highest governing authority of the National Sports Authority. The role carries fiduciary, policy, and oversight responsibilities, making it a critical legal governance position under Ghanaian law.
Under the Sports Act, the National Sports Authority is mandated to:
1.Develop and implement national sports programmes
2.Manage and maintain state-owned sports infrastructure
3.Support athlete development and high-performance sport
4.Coordinate sports development at district, regional, and national levels
5.Promote sport as a tool for:
•Youth development
•Social inclusion
•National unity
•Economic growth
As a Board Member, Deen will contribute to shaping strategic direction, approving policies and budgets, ensuring accountability, protecting public interest, and overseeing management in line with national priorities.
Samson Deen brings to the NSA Board an exceptional record of service and achievement in sport. He is currently the President of both the African Paralympic Committee (AfPC) and Ghana Paralympic Committee, where he has led transformative reforms in governance, inclusion, and continental competition structures.
Under his leadership, Africa has witnessed:
•The successful organization of major continental para-sports events.
•Strengthened institutional governance of para-sports across African National Paralympic Committees.
•Increased international recognition of African para-athletes
•Expanded advocacy for inclusion, equity, and athlete welfare through the “WalkInMyShoe” project.
In Ghana, Deen has been a key advocate for sports development, youth empowerment, and the integration of sport into national development policy, aligning closely with government objectives and international best practices.
As a member of the NSA Governing Board, Samson Deen will act in a fiduciary capacity, similar to a director of a public corporation. His responsibilities include providing strategic leadership, ensuring compliance with the law, safeguarding public resources, and advancing the national interest through sport.
Speaking on his appointment, Deen expressed gratitude and renewed commitment to national service:
“Sport remains one of the most powerful tools for shaping the future of our youth and building a united, confident nation. My reappointment to the NSA Board is a call to deeper service — to ensure that every young Ghanaian, regardless of background or ability, can dream, compete, and succeed through sport.”
He further called on corporate Ghana and development partners to support national sports development:
“Government alone cannot unlock the full potential of Ghanaian sport. I call on corporate organizations, sponsors, and partners to walk with us — to invest in talent, infrastructure, and innovation. Together, we can turn sport into opportunity, employment, hope, and national pride for our youth.”
Samson Deen’s consecutive appointment reflects a deliberate choice for continuity, experience, and proven leadership at a critical time in Ghana’s sports development journey. His presence on the NSA Board is expected to strengthen governance, enhance stakeholder confidence, and advance Ghana’s ambition to position sport as a driver of national development and international excellence.
