39 Years Later, Ghana’s Golden Return

For 39 years, nothing changed in that cabinet.

Since Patricia Offei and Patience Opokuah struck gold in women’s doubles at the 1987 All-Africa Games in Nairobi, Ghana had been waiting.

Coaches came. Coaches left. Players got close. But that top spot stayed empty.

That changed on Sunday. In Accra.

THE BREAKTHROUGH

Under the lights, with the whole nation watching, two U15 kids decided to end it.

Israel Aklie and Joanita Borteye rewrote history.

They weren’t just playing for a medal. They were playing to bring Ghana back.

Under the guidance of Coach Robert Amartey, they stayed composed. In the final of the 2026 ITTF Africa Youth Championships, they took on Tunisia’s best pair and swept them 3-0 to win gold right here at home.

Gold for Ghana. In Accra. After 39 years.

When Ghana last won gold at a major African table tennis event, the parents of today’s players were still in classrooms. Now these two teenagers have opened a new chapter.

This means more than gold.

It means hope is back.

It means our youth investment is working.

It means Coach Robert Amartey’s hard work is paying off.

And Coach Amartey wasn’t done. He also led the Boys U15 team to bronze. For years he’s worked quietly behind the scenes. Now everyone sees the results.

Big respect also to GTTA President ,Mawuko Afadzinu for fighting to bring the championships to Accra. Because we hosted, our kids got the chance and they delivered.

TO EVERY YOUNG GHANAIAN

This is Israel and Joanita speaking to you:

The podium is close. The gold is real.

They didn’t just win U15 Mixed Doubles.

They restored pride to Ghana table tennis.

They gave the country something to believe in again.

39 years. One golden Sunday.

The wait is over. The future starts now,

By Elizabeth A. Gyamfi