The Minister for Youth and Sports, Mr. Mustapha Ussif, has announced March 8th to 23rd 2024, as new dates for the 13th African Games in Accra.
He noted that the competition was initially scheduled this year but had to be rescheduled due to an impasse between stakeholders.
Mr. Ussif, who disclosed this during a press briefing on Wednesday in Accra, stated, “The long-standing impasse between the African Union, the Association of National Olympic Committee (ANOCA) and the Association of African Sports Confederation (AASC) has been resolved amicably.”
He pointed out that the aim of hosting and organizing the 13th African Games was to use sports to achieve national and continental development goals.
“Specifically, to contribute to Ghana’s transformational Agenda and the African Union Agenda 2063, “The African we want”, improve sports infrastructure and position Accra as a sports hub,” he added.
On the benefits of hosting the games in Ghana, he stated that for the two-week period, Ghana is expected to have over 2.5 billion viewers on television and online.
“The 13th African Games will also strengthen the Cedi and offer direct investment inflows such as the construction of hotels facilities and recreational centers. Also, Ghana will save money in terms of pre-tournament camping for teams,” he added.
According to him, hosting the competition would also promote local culture and food, unearth emerging talents, instill a spirit of volunteerism among the youth, and the University of Sports for Development would attract students both locally and internationally.
Mr. Ussif explained that in total, 22 sports disciplines will be competed in, with 7 Olympic qualifiers, 15 non-Olympic qualifiers and 5 demonstration sports.
He further disclosed that the major facilities currently ongoing at Borteyman by Messrs Contracts Construction UK Limited toward the event include a 1000-seater competition swimming pool, 8 lanes warm-up swimming pool, a 1000-seater multipurpose sports hall for games of basketball and table tennis and a 500-seater temporary dome for handball, volleyball and judo.
On her part, the Commissioner for Political Affairs of the African Union Commission, Madam Cessouma Minata Samate, expressed admiration of Ghana’s preparations for the 13th African Games.
She also urged member states to support Ghana to host the event successfully in 2024.
“The 13th African Games would offer member states an important source of revenue and as well strengthen bilateral relationships,” she added.
Patience Anaadem, ISD
