Ghana’s cycling journey at the 2026 Commonwealth Games reaches its conclusion today as Farrakhan Shaaban Mohammed lines up for the Men’s 1000m Time Trial Final at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome in Glasgow, marking a historic moment for the nation’s cycling programme .
Mohammed, who stepped into the track events following the withdrawal of Emmanuel Otokunor Sackey on medical advice, will compete against 24 other riders from across the Commonwealth, including representatives from Uganda, Kenya, and South Africa, in what stands as Team Ghana’s final cycling assignment of the Games .
Sixteen Years of Cycling History
Ghana’s Commonwealth Games cycling odyssey began in 2010 in Delhi, India, when UK-based rider Chris Symonds became the country’s first representative in the discipline, competing in the Individual Time Trial . The programme expanded considerably by the time of the 2014 Glasgow Games, when six Ghanaian cyclists took part across road and track events. That team—comprising Jedidiah, Aminu Mohammed, Chris Symonds, Anthony Boafo Boakye, Abdulrazak Umar, and the late Samuel Anim—marked Ghana’s first appearance in track cycling at the Games .
Remarkably, Jedidiah had only taken up cycling nine months before the 2014 Games, having previously specialised in boxing and judo before meeting Ghana-born Glasgow businessman Sean Dyantyi, who led a project to have a Ghanaian track cyclist race at the Games . Despite the Ghana Cycling Federation’s support in principle, the lack of track cycling experience meant Jedidiah had to largely coach himself, with support from local Glaswegian businesses .
Four years later, on the Gold Coast, Anthony Boafo Boakye, Abdulrazak Umar, and Abdulrazak Abdulmumin carried Ghana’s colours in the Road Race and Individual Time Trial, while Frederick Assor and Rudolf Mensah competed in the Track Tandem Para-cycling event—a landmark that stood as Ghana’s first participation in a Commonwealth Games para-sport .
The 2022 Birmingham Games saw the federation’s largest delegation yet, with eight cyclists—six men and two women—competing across Track Cycling, the Individual Time Trial, and the Road Race, led by a squad that included Boakye, Emmanuel Arthur, Chris Symonds, Henry Tetteh Djangmah, Abdul Rahaman, Emmanuel Otokunor Sackey, Erica Sedzro, and Florence Haridor .
Building the Next Generation
For Glasgow 2026, Ghana had prepared a four-athlete squad—Emmanuel Otokunor Sackey, Farrakhan Shaaban Mohammed, Erica Sedzro, and Majorie Quaye—through an intensive training camp at the Derby Arena Velodrome . However, following medical advice after Sackey contracted malaria, he was withdrawn from competition, allowing Mohammed to step into the track events alongside Sedzro .
The Ghana Cycling Federation credited the sustained growth of the programme to the continuous support of Shaaban Mohammed, its current Secretary General, alongside UCI Level 2 coaches Aminu Mohammed and Amadu Musah, whose work across the six editions has underpinned the development of cycling in Ghana .
The federation further recognised the leadership of its President, Mr. Mohammed Baadae Sahnoon, Esq., for what it described as a sustained commitment to expanding opportunities for Ghanaian cyclists on the international stage .
Appreciation and Support
The Ghana Cycling Federation extended its heartfelt appreciation to the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, the Commonwealth Games Association of Ghana/Ghana Olympic Committee, and all Ghanaians whose prayers, encouragement, and unwavering support have inspired the team throughout this journey . Special appreciation went to Mr. Richard Akpokavie, President of the CGA/GOC; Mr. Ernest Dansu, Commonwealth Games Chef de Mission; Mr. Charles Osei Asibey, Head of Media; the Ghanaian media fraternity; Team Ghana management; and everyone who has contributed to Ghana’s participation and success .
“Together, let us rally behind Farrakhan as he proudly flies the flag of Ghana on the international stage,” the federation said in a statement .
With Mohammed’s ride in the Men’s 1000m Time Trial Final, Ghana brings the curtain down on its cycling programme at the 2026 Commonwealth Games .
