13th African Games – Big Test For Ghana Sports Federations

The 13th African Games organization was handed to Ghana just after the 12th edition in Morocco, so Ghanaians who love sports knew Ghana will host the up coming edition since 2019.

Due to unforeseen circumstances and some political issues over the ownership of the Games by the African Union (AU), African National Olympic Committee Association (ANOCA) and the Association of African Sports Confederations (AASC) the biggest sports festival on the continent of Africa was postponed and the new date fixed was March 8th to 23rd, 2024.

The President of Ghana HE Nana Akufo-Addo and the Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon. Mustapha Ussif, with the support of Jubilee House and Ministry of Finance have been able to negotiate and source funds to support the Local Organising Committee (LOC) led by Dr. Kwaku Ofosu-Asare to renovate the Legon Sports Stadium which was started in the era of former President John Agyekum Kufuor.

And of course, put up the  new Borteyman Sports Complex which comprise of a dome (sports hall), tennis courts, swimming pool (aquatic center), running track and football field which was constructed in 896 days and commissioned 25 days to the Games.

The facility is supposed to turn into a university, however it needs accommodation structures and a main bowl to complete as a center of excellence and Olympic edifice.

Certainly most sports federations will be pleased for the facilities, but my question is why ready are they for this important sports extravaganza and maintenance to last for other generations to enjoy.

The federations must ensure that the facilities meet the international standards, and they must be ready to compete against the best on the continent.

The question then comes if the athletes and coaches are ready and motivated to perform. Some are experiencing such magnitude of games organization for the first time.

I must commend some federations who have organised technical programs to upgrade their officials, like athletics, table tennis, judo and swimming.

This week and the following will be periods for testing the new facilities before real competition starts.

My worry is the readiness and lukewarmness of some federations who seem not prepared. Or they know they cannot win medals.

For the first time, since 1965 when the first Games was held in DR Congo, as Ghana prepares to host the African Games, a continental multi sports event in the capital of Accra hosting 30 disciplines with support from the historic city of Cape Coast, a former capital to host female football, we wish all the federations good luck and pray that they target and grab the medals.

Boxing, athletics, table tennis, armwrestling and volleyball are five disciplines that I can bet will win medals for Ghana. Maybe Judo and football can surprise.

The African Games is about medals, so let’s chase and grab the medals. Get Ghana gold.

The Games will also boast the hospitality industry; Tourism and Business will rise as many people are expected to visit the motherland. The Games is bringing over 5,000 guests. Some 12,000 will be accredited for different duties. 30 sports disciplines will be competed

By Sammy Heywood Okine