Abdul-Rasheed Saminu’s electrifying 9.84-second finish in the men’s 100 metres at the 2025 Last Chance Qualifier in Georgia, USA, has done more than simply rewrite Ghana’s athletics record books — it has underlined the country’s remarkable emergence as a rising force in African sprinting.
Competing on American soil, Saminu stormed past the 9.86-second national record he set in June 2025, reaffirming his status as Ghana’s fastest man in history. The performance not only solidifies his standing at the top of Ghanaian athletics, but also propels the West African nation into the continental spotlight.
At 27, Saminu has quickly become a symbol of what many are calling a renaissance in Ghanaian track and field. His latest triumph, following his earlier record-breaking feat which surpassed the long-standing benchmark held by Benjamin Azamati, has ignited fresh hope both at home and across West Africa. His compatriot Mustapha Bokpin further bolstered this momentum, clocking an impressive 10.09 seconds to finish second — reinforcing that Ghana’s progress is no longer a solo journey, but rather the foundation of a wider movement.
This emerging generation of Ghanaian sprinters is altering the traditional hierarchy of African athletics, long dominated by Nigeria and South Africa. Saminu’s steady progression, now placing him joint-third fastest in the world this season, sets the stage for a thrilling appearance at the upcoming World Championships in Tokyo. There, both he and Bokpin are poised to take on the world’s elite, with their performances abroad making a strong case for Ghana’s rising credibility in global sprinting.
Beyond the stopwatch, Saminu’s record-setting run has sparked a wave of renewed investment in athletics back home. Reports suggest increased interest from corporate sponsors and enhanced governmental support, all in response to the international spotlight. Youth participation in athletics is reportedly at an all-time high, with Saminu serving as a visible and inspiring role model for young athletes dreaming of success on the world stage.
Ghana’s sprinting story is evolving — and Abdul-Rasheed Saminu is leading the charge.
