Hard work is paying off for Ghana’s rising table tennis talent, and Joanita is proving it match after match. The young paddler was named Female Player of the Day for Day Two of the ongoing ITTF Africa Youth Championships and Africa Cup, Accra 2026, a recognition that has further cemented her status as one of the brightest prospects in table tennis.
Joanita’s performances across the tournament have marked her out as a future leader for the sport and she is expected to be a key figure for Ghana’s youth team as the championship progresses. Her form is part of a broader story taking shape at Borteyman Sports Complex, where a new generation of Ghanaian players is showing that the country can compete, and win, against the continent’s best.
The ITTF Africa Youth Championships and Africa Cup began on 20th July and is scheduled to run through 29th July 2026, bringing together the region’s top junior talent for nine days of competitive action in the capital.
President of the Ghana Table Tennis Association, Mr Mawuko Afadzanu, reiterated that Ghana table tennis has entered a new phase of development, with the country’s sights set firmly on global progress.
We are at the next level, and we are striving to be in the top tier. We are also looking forward to qualifying for the Olympic Games, these are the major milestones for Ghana.” Mawuko Afadzanu, President, Ghana Table Tennis Association
Mr Afadzanu was candid in his assessment of the team’s progress, noting that while the players are performing well, there remain specific areas that require further coaching and refinement if Ghana is to close the gap with the continent’s leading table tennis nations.
The players are doing incredibly well, but there are elements they need to fine-tune and improve with coaching. The prospects are good, but they need to do the necessary things to move to the next level,” he said.
Team Finals Results
U-19 Boys Team Final (Best of 5)
Nigeria 3 – 2 Egypt
Gold Nigeria
Silver Egypt
Bronze Algeria
Bronze Tunisia
U-19 Girls Team Final (Best of 5)
Egypt 3 – 0 Algeria
Gold Egypt
Silver Algeria
Bronze Nigeria
Bronze Uganda
