He lifts for Ghana. Meet the athlete who turned a life-altering event into a launchpad for international sporting success, and the nation’s highest-ever Paralympic finish.
In the early quiet of a Dansoman morning, long before the traffic builds and Accra fully wakes, Emmanuel Nii Tettey Oku is already training.
His wheelchair glides across the sports hall with a rhythm that mirrors the discipline of a man who has spent years fighting—not just to win medals, but to rewrite the story of disability in Ghana.
Emmanuel Oku, who competes in Para Powerlifting (specifically the Men’s 72kg category), is one of Ghana’s most inspiring para-athletes. His story is not only about sports; it is about resilience, visibility, and the belief that strength is not measured by limbs, but by courage.
A CHAMPION’S BIRTH
Born and raised in Accra, Emmanuel’s early life was full of energy and movement. Following a life-altering accident in 2013 where he had his left leg amputated, he faced profound physical and emotional hurdles.
Instead of yielding to despair, Emmanuel adapted. He was inspired after watching the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games broadcast, seeing others in wheelchairs competing at an elite level. This sparked a new purpose, and in 2018, he officially took up Para Powerlifting. What looked like a limitation became the launchpad for a champion.
RAISING THE FLAG
Emmanuel’s professional journey quickly accelerated, marked by significant competitive success on the world stage. His dedication paid off in 2020 at the World Para Powerlifting World Cup in Manchester, UK, where he secured a Bronze Medal in the Men’s 72 kg category.
This pivotal achievement not only marked his first major international medal but also ensured his qualification for the world’s biggest event.
In 2021, Emmanuel made history at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. He had the distinct honour of serving as Ghana’s flagbearer at the Opening Ceremony, symbolizing hope for the nation’s para-sports community. Competing in the Men’s 72 kg event, he recorded a lift of 160kg, ultimately finishing in 7th Place.
This single result represented the highest ranking ever achieved by a Ghanaian athlete at a Paralympic Games at the time, solidifying his place in the country’s sporting history.
His success continued regionally, with a dominant performance at the 2022 African Open Para Powerlifting Championship in Cairo, Egypt, where he secured two Gold and two Silver Medals, further cementing his standing as a continental powerhouse.
He also proudly represented Ghana at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
THE VOICE OF INCLUSION
Emmanuel’s impact extends far beyond the medals he wins. His story has captured global attention, making him a powerful advocate against stigma.
Global Recognition: The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has featured his journey, detailing his inspiring path from watching the Games on TV to competing and carrying the national flag in Tokyo.
Fighting Stigma: In interviews, he consistently uses his platform to challenge the narrative around disability in Ghana, stating that his success proves that people with disabilities are not “useless” but are capable of achieving greatness and earning respect.
Inspiring Support: So profound was his impact that a Japanese philanthropist, moved by his Paralympic debut, provided a $5,000 donation to Oku and pledged further help towards building an indoor Sports Centre for Ghana.
He consistently champions accessible sports facilities, greater funding for para-athletes, and equal opportunities in national selection and sponsorships. His message is simple but powerful: “Disability should never limit ambition.”
A MENTOR, LEADER A D LEGACY
Away from the arena, Emmanuel dedicates time to mentoring children and young adults with disabilities, helping them discover confidence through sports.
Today, Emmanuel Nii Tettey Oku stands as one of Ghana’s most influential para-athletes. His story continues to open doors for others and reshape the nation’s perception of disability. In sports halls across Accra, a new generation of young athletes in wheelchairs train with renewed belief—because they saw Emmanuel do it first.
His legacy is already unfolding: A man who refused to stop moving, and in doing so, moved an entire nation.