Ghanaian Olympic Aspirants Target Qualification at African Games

Isaac Duah Aboagye, the leader of Ghana’s delegation for the 2024 Olympic Games, expresses optimism that the upcoming African Games in Accra will serve as a crucial platform for Ghanaian athletes to achieve qualifying marks for the Paris Olympics. As the Paris Olympics approach, Aboagye emphasizes the significance of the 13th African Games (Accra 2023) in providing opportunities for Ghanaian athletes to secure their spots across various disciplines.

Currently, no Ghanaian athlete has secured direct qualification to the Olympics. However, the Chef Du Mission for the Paris Olympics is confident that the African Games will be instrumental in paving the way for their participation. The African Games feature eight sporting disciplines that act as Olympic qualification competitions, including athletics, badminton, cycling, tennis, table tennis, triathlon, swimming, and wrestling.

Preparations are in progress, with the Ghana Olympic Committee establishing training camps in Strasbourg, France, in anticipation of athlete qualifications. Boxer Samuel Takyi, who clinched Ghana’s sole medal (bronze) at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, is part of Ghana’s boxing team, the Black Bombers, gearing up for the African Games.

Takyi and his teammates are set to participate in remaining Olympic qualifying events in Thailand and Italy, aiming to secure their tickets for the Paris Olympics scheduled from July 26 to August 11, 2024.