Kweku Ayesu Bossman’s affection for cycling began in 2018. Before then, the 36-year-old was perceived as a man of many talents. Bossman dabbled in film production, videography, acting and singing. But a tragic incident 10 years ago changed everything.
“I was washing one of the machines at Dangote’s cement company when my hand just went in then it started grinding from the fingers to my elbow. The security man who was trying to help me escape was making it worse so I took his knife to cut a part of my arm,” Bossman recounted.
Without his dominant right arm, Bossman learned to use his left hand a bit more. It is the arm that has helped his cycling. Each day, he does it with confidence, waving at familiar faces, and dancing to his favourite gospel tunes. Cycling has been beneficial for Bossman.
“In 2023, my friend Richard Attah called me for an African championship and I finished third. Two Moroccans finished higher. I have travelled with the bicycle for seven days. I have also done a three-day ride in the past. A full-day ride I did was from Accra to Cape Coast for Tour Du Ghana 2023,” he said.
He now rides for Ghana professionally with hopes of making the 2024 Paralympic Games. As the head of a house of 4 including his wife, Bossman has a task of fending for his family. In the family, he is their hero.
“I get scared for him sometimes because I know he can ride around Aburi easily but when he goes to Accra, I am usually concerned about how drivers can be careless on the road. I am happy for him because it’s a difficult task for most people. Some physically challenged people beg on the streets but he still does this with one arm,” Bossman’s wife, Beatrice Amponsah stated.
Ahead of the #3FMTourDuGhana event this weekend, our spotlight is on Kweku Ayesu Bossman, a professional paracyclist who recovered from a near-death experience to master cycling. @Bill_Eshun tells his story#3SportsGHpic.twitter.com/la8TNqb0Pz
— #3Sports (@3SportsGh) May 15, 2024
But before the Paralympics, Bossman aims to conquer the local scene, and one competition on his mind is the 3FM Tour Du Ghana, which takes place on 18th May this year. He participated in the third edition last year, finishing in the top hundred. This time, he wants to win it all.
“I am taking this one. This one is mine. There is no long talk. I am taking it,” Bossman said confidently.
Kweku Bossman bounced back from a near-death experience to compete for glory with his bicycle. The loss of his arm has not deterred him to follow his dreams.
