By: Mawuli Viwotor

Ghana’s first paracyclist and Africa’s three-time C2 Paracycling Champion, Alem Mumuni, has successfully ended his ‘Ride Out Polio’ campaign after riding from Accra through Koforidua to Kumasi and back to Accra.



The ride, aimed at raising awareness on immunization against Polio and the other childhood killer diseases, started from the Accra International Press Centre with a launch and finally came to an end at the Lizzy Sports Complex with special games by Rotary Clubs in Accra.
The tough and rough ride, sponsored by Enterprise Group, saw Alem Mumuni covering a distance of over 562 Kilometers and surviving two accidents, one involving him and the other one of the Police escorts accompanying him; but, as Alem Mumuni stated, “God saw us through”.
Alem Mumuni arrived in Koforidua on Wednesday to a tumultuous welcome amidst fanfare as he made his first stop-over on the campaign.

His entry into the Eastern Regional capital was met with a heavy downpour that signified to him God’s blessings on his campaign as he made a distance of 86 kilometers in 3hrs 07, faster that it was anticipated, on one leg through Madina to the Aburi and Mampong mountains to the amazement of onlookers.
He was met by a team of Rotary Club members in Koforidua, the Police and scores of residents of the township, who cheered him on to express their support.
A ceremony took place at the forecourt of the Regional Directorate of the Ghana Health Service, where representatives of Regional Minister, the MCE and Omanhene of Juaben made speeches on their behalf.
Mr. Appiah Kumi, President of Koforidua Rotary Club, welcome Alem Mumuni and pledged Rotary’s continuous support for the eradication of Polio.
Alem Mumuni said his story represented hope in a dark world of uncertainties as he looked back at how it could have been a dream that never was.
“No support is too small or too big. Start from your household, your community and together we can make Polio history and stop disability from being a barrier to the numerous opportunities God has made available to all His creation,” he appealed.

Alem Mumuni then continued the journey Kumasi where another team of Rotarians met him and ushered him through some principal streets, ending up at the Jackson’s Park.
Nana Amankwah Sarkodie, Sawiahene, who represented the Asantehene, conveyed his greetings to him, disclosing his delight at the initiative by the renowned paracyclist.
He said Alem Mumuni’s campaign was a source of encouragement to even able-bodied persons and assured him of the Asantehene’s support; he personally donated an amount of money to him.
Alem Mumuni said he was compelled by the plight of the vulnerable to brush aside the fears that came into his mind prior to the trip.

“When I decided to embark on this journey to contribute my quota to the eradication of Polio, I was confronted with challenges in my mind and wondered if I was not taking a risk that could have serious effects on my health.
As those thoughts ran through my mind I felt a strong urge within me to rise up to the challenge and do something for that child in Garu, Zabzugu, Bankyease or Atiavi whose future is at stake,” he stated.
Alem Mumuni, a Rotary International End Polio Ambassador and Potent Spokesperson for End Polio Now, appealed for support for the End Polio campaign and his foundation, Alem Foundation to support the education and health care of underprivileged and disabled children.