The Ghana Cycling Federation (GCF) has donated a brand-new bicycle to long-distance cyclist Ibrahim Jazil Abanga in recognition of his heroic five-day expedition from Tamale to Accra to mark Ghana’s 69th Independence Anniversary .
The presentation, which took place in Accra, saw GCF General Secretary Shaaban Mohammed hand over the high-performance bicycle to Abanga. The gesture is supported by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Solidarity Programme and is intended to boost grassroots cycling development and talent identification in the five northern regions of Ghana .
Speaking during the donation ceremony, Mr. Mohammed explained that the federation was deeply moved by Abanga’s resilience and his vision to use cycling as a vehicle for social change.
“We are donating this bicycle to Ibrahim Jazil Abanga. He rode from Tamale to Accra to celebrate our 69th anniversary of independence, and we were deeply touched by his effort,” Mr. Mohammed said .
The GCF noted that the rider’s original bicycle encountered mechanical failures during the grueling 600–700 kilometer journey. However, recognizing the broader mission to promote national unity and youth empowerment, the federation decided to intervene.
“He has plans to promote cycling across the northern regions and help identify new talent. We hope his example will encourage more young people to join the sport,” Mr. Mohammed added .
A Dream to Transform the North
Jazil Abanga, who is also known as the SRC Secretary of Tamale Technical University, switched to cycling after a knee injury ended his football ambitions. His journey from the Northern Regional capital to Accra was not merely a test of endurance but an advocacy campaign for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and youth empowerment .
Upon receiving the bicycle, an emotional Abanga thanked the GCF leadership, the UCI Solidarity Programme, and the public for their support.
“I rode from Tamale to Accra to raise awareness for the 69th Independence Day, focusing on national unity, youth empowerment and promoting technical and vocational education,” he stated. “This act caught the attention of the Federation, and after sharing my future plans, they offered to donate this bicycle to support my drive to transform Ghana through adventure” .
Abanga has expressed his commitment to using the new equipment to traverse the five northern regions, advocating for environmental sustainability and serving as a mentor for young cyclists.
