Ghanaian powerlifter, Charles Narh Teye, has booked his place at the 2018 XXI Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast after lifting 157kg in the 80kg class at the recent World Para Powerlifting World Cup in United Arab Emirates.

The qualifying weight for the 80kg class at Gold Coast 2018 is 140kg but Charles lifted 157kg to qualify.

The event was a mandatory requirement by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) for para powerlifting athletes as it also served as qualification for Commonwealth Games affiliated countries.

According to Charles Narh, it took the intervention of the Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr Isaac Asiamah who bought air tickets for him and his coach to attend the event.

This was after he (Charles) had informed the Minister about his plight on the sidelines of a meeting between the National Paralympic Committee and the Ministry of Sports with only three days to the event in Dubai.

Charles added that PWD Construction Engineers also supported his cause by providing some financial support towards his successful campaign in the UAE.

Despite challenges with funding in Ghana sports and the para movement, in particular, Charles has been hoisting the Ghana flag all over the world.

He last competed for Ghana at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, having become the first Ghanaian powerlifter to compete at the Olympics, at the London 2012 Games.

He is still owed monies by the Sports Ministry for expenses he incurred in preparing for the Rio Games. Charles is now ranked 8th in the world and 3rd in Africa in the 80kg class.

It will be recalled that Charles became the first para athlete to qualify for the Rio 2016 Paralympics Games in September, 2016 after undertaking a similar trip to the UAE with the help of some individuals and his personal effort.