Ghana’s 39-year gold medal drought in African table tennis is finally over. On home soil at the ITTF Africa Youth Championships and Africa Cup Accra 2026, 15-year-olds Israel Aklie and Joanita Borteye made history on Sunday, winning Ghana’s first African table tennis gold since 1987 with a stunning victory over Tunisia in the U-15 Mixed Doubles final.
Under the roar of home fans, the young Ghanaian pair defeated Tunisia’s Amori Amine and Ela Saidi in straight games — 12-10, 12-10, 11-6 — to clinch the U-15 Mixed Doubles title and send the Accra crowd into celebrations.
The gold is Ghana’s first at any major African table tennis event since Patricia Offei and Patience Opokuah won the women’s doubles title at the 1987 All-Africa Games in Nairobi. For Aklie and Borteye, it was more than a medal. It was a statement.
“Two gems forged in hard work,” they played with perfect chemistry, composure under pressure, and fearless attack to outclass a tough Tunisian pair and stand on top of the podium.
The man behind the triumph is veteran coach Robert Amartey, whose tactical brilliance and years of experience guided the duo to glory.
“We came to this championship not to play but to win Gold,” Coach Amartey said after the final. “Together with my players, we had sleepless nights just to study how the Tunisians play.”
He also praised the leadership of Ghana Table Tennis President Mr. Mawuko Afadzanu and his executives for their “immense support,” including securing training tours and international competitions that prepared the team for this moment.
Aklie himself credited the coach’s guidance. “I appreciate the guidance and tactical genius from my coach for helping us reach this height,” he said, standing next to his gold medal partner.
Their win is not just about gold. It signals a new generation for Ghana table tennis — young, bold, and ready to compete with Africa’s best.
U-15 Mixed Doubles Final Result:
Ghana — Israel Aklie / Joanita Borteye def. Tunisia — Amori Amine / Ela Saidi 3-0
12-10, 12-10, 11-6
