Ghana’s swimming standout, Abeku Jackson, has been elected Vice-Chair of the Africa Aquatics Athletes Commission, marking a historic moment for both the athlete and Ghana’s aquatic sporting community.
The announcement, made on 12 November 2025, confirms Jackson as the first Ghanaian swimmer to assume a leadership role on the continental body.
Jackson’s election comes during a new four-year term for the Commission, which functions to represent the interests and voices of athletes across Africa within the governance of aquatic sports.
As Vice-Chair, Jackson will play a key role in advocacy, athlete representation and helping to ensure that decision-makers hear the perspectives of those on the starting blocks.
For Ghana, this appointment is significant. Jackson is already a decorated member of the national team, he captains the Ghana squad and recently excelled at the 2025 Africa Aquatics Zone II Championships in Accra, where he claimed five medals (including four golds) to help Ghana finish with a haul of 69 medals.
Jackson has represented Ghana across major international competitions. His role extends beyond personal achievements: he is seen as a figure of inspiration and leadership for younger swimmers.
In his new role as Vice-Chair, Jackson is set to leverage his experience to champion athlete welfare, training environments and performance support across the continent. By being part of the Africa Aquatics Athletes Commission, he gains a platform to influence policies that affect swimmers, divers, water-polo players and other aquatic athletes in Africa.
The Africa Aquatics Athletes Commission is charged with ensuring that athletes’ voices are incorporated in decisions made by the governing body. In the Commission’s constitution, it is stipulated that members meet at least once a year, and can also convene at Championship event
