Team Ghana arrives in Dakar for 2026 Youth Olympic Games

Team Ghana has arrived in Dakar, Senegal, ahead of the 2026 Youth Olympic Games, with young athletes set to compete in eight sporting disciplines as they seek to showcase their talent on the international stage.

The delegation, comprising athletes, coaches, medical personnel and team officials, arrived on Tuesday, ahead of the Games scheduled for October 31 to November 13, 2026.

Ghana will compete in athletics, badminton, beach volleyball, boxing, judo, swimming, table tennis and taekwondo. The team’s participation gives young athletes the chance to gain international experience, test their abilities against competitors from other countries, and build friendships through sport.

After arriving, the athletes settled into their accommodation, attended team briefings, completed registration and familiarised themselves with the competition venues. Coaches and medical staff are overseeing the athletes’ recovery and final preparations as the team gets ready for the opening of the Games.

Beyond the pursuit of medals, the competition is expected to provide valuable lessons in discipline, resilience, teamwork and sportsmanship. For the young athletes, representing Ghana at a global event is also an opportunity to build confidence and lay the foundation for future sporting careers. GHANA'S

Ghana's athletics team features Mary Coffie in the women's 400-metre hurdles and Stephen Oduro Jnr in the men's 400-metre hurdles.

In badminton, Adu Mintah will compete in the men's singles, while Justice Adusei Amoafo and Daniel Lartey will represent Ghana in men's beach volleyball.

Robert Amartey Tagoe will compete in the men's 70kg boxing category, while Bernice Mawena Akakpo will represent the country in women's judo in the -63kg category.

Ghana's swimming team comprises Kelvin Abdallah, Mercedes Abdallah, Tamba Akin Boamah and Jada Christiana Yankey.

In table tennis, Joanita Borteye will compete in the women's singles, while Jessica Mensah will represent Ghana in the women's +63kg taekwondo category.

As the countdown to the Games continues, Team Ghana will be looking to make the most of the opportunity to compete against some of the world's promising young athletes and represent the country with pride, determination and sportsmanship.