‘Is it a sin to be born Deaf?’ Ghana’s Black Wonders appeal to President Mahama for support ahead of DAFCON 2026
Ghana’s national deaf football team, the Black Wonders, have appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to intervene over what they describe as persistent neglect, discrimination and inadequate financial support for the team. In a petition released by the Ghana Deaf Football Association (GDFA), the team called on the President and Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams to provide urgent assistance ahead of the inaugural Deaf African Football Cup of Nations (DAFCON), scheduled to take place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from November 30 to December 13, 2026.
Ghana’s national deaf football team, the Black Wonders, have appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to intervene over what they describe as persistent neglect, discrimination and inadequate financial support for the team.
In a petition released by the Ghana Deaf Football Association (GDFA), the team called on the President and Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams to provide urgent assistance ahead of the inaugural Deaf African Football Cup of Nations (DAFCON), scheduled to take place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from November 30 to December 13, 2026.
The tournament will also serve as a qualifying competition for next year’s Deaf World Cup, which presents Ghana with an opportunity to secure a place on the international stage.
However, the association says its efforts to obtain government support have so far been unsuccessful, despite submitting a budget to the Sports and Recreation Minister in April.
“We cannot afford to miss this wonderful opportunity to make Ghana proud,” the petition stated.
“It is very sad that only Deaf sports have been sidelined when it comes to government sponsorship. Is it a sin to be born Deaf in Ghana?”
The GDFA claims that while other national teams, including the Black Stars, Black Queens, Black Princesses, Black Starlets and the national amputee football team, receive government sponsorship, the Black Wonders continue to be sidelined.
It also alleges that the team is required to pay to use facilities managed by the National Sports Authority, while officials often rely on personal contributions to purchase playing kits for the players.
The association further said its players have won international trophies without receiving financial rewards from the state.
The petition also revisits the team's participation in the 2023 Deaf World Cup in Malaysia, which, according to the GDFA, left an outstanding hotel accommodation debt of US$24,000.
The association is therefore appealing to President Mahama and the Sports Minister to address what it considers unequal treatment and provide the resources needed for the team to compete.
The Black Wonders have previously represented Ghana at international competitions, winning silver at African level and gold in West Africa.
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