Ghana Gears Up To Host 13th African Games
By Barrie Alpha
Ground works are in full swing as Ghana gears up to host the 13th African Games scheduled in the capital city of Accra from 8th to 24th March, 2024.
The event will draw thousands of athletes, officials, and spectators from across the continent, and Ghana is working hard to ensure its success. Over 50 AU member states have already confirmed their participation.
According to reports, during the opening session of the 4th Technical Committee for the African Games meeting, Hon. Mustapha Ussif, Minister of Youth and Sports, emphasized his country’s commitment, sincerely appreciated the “invaluable guidance and support” received from the African Union (AU), led by Commissioner Minata Samate Cessouma. He specifically commended the Commissioner’s dedication to fostering continental unity and recognizing the transformative power of sports.
“Ghana has invested significantly in state-of-the-art sporting facilities across twenty-three (23) disciplines. From the newly constructed Olympic Stadium to the refurbished aquatic centre, these venues testify to our commitment to the fruition of a world-class competition,” Hon. Mustapha Ussif continued. “But our preparations extend beyond the arenas. We’ve also invested in a robust infrastructure network to ensure seamless transportation, diverse accommodation options, and advanced communication technologies. We are confident that these Games will be a resounding success, showcasing the best of Ghana and the power of sport to unite Africa,” he noted.
Over 4,000 athletes are expected to participate in the games. They will compete in 23 sports codes, namely Arm Wrestling, Athletics, Badminton, Basketball (3×3), Beach Volleyball, Boxing, Chess, Cricket, Cycling, Football, Handball, Hockey, Judo, Rugby, Aquatics, Table Tennis, Karate-Do Taekwondo, Tennis, Triathlon, Volleyball, Weightlifting and Wrestling.
Seven out of the 23 sports codes – Badminton, Cycling, Table Tennis, Tennis, Triathlon, and Wrestling will double as qualifiers for the Paris Olympics2024, raising the stakes even higher.
Beyond the official competition, the games will also feature a variety of demonstration sports that showcase emerging trends and disciplines. These include E-sports, Mixed Martial Arts, Speedball, Sambo, and Teqball promising a glimpse into the future of sports entertainment.
Following a tour of critical sporting venues like the Borteyman Sports Complex, the University of Ghana facilities, and Bukom’s Hockey and Cricket Fields, H.E. Minata Samate Cessouma, the African Union’s Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, praised the local organizing committee’s impressive work. She noted the excellent quality of the facilities, highlighting their readiness and adherence to standards.
On behalf of the AUC Chairperson, Moussa Faki, Commissioner Cessouma further extended her appreciation to President Nana Akuffo Addo and Minister of Youth & Sports, Hon. Mustapha Ussif, for their “tireless efforts” in driving the Games’ success. She emphasized the crucial need for continued collaboration, urging all stakeholders to join forces and accelerate final preparations.
