In his recent State of the Nation Address delivered in Parliament, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo declared Ghana fully prepared to host the 13th edition of the African Games scheduled for March 8 to 23, 2023. Despite acknowledging financial challenges during the preparations, President Akufo-Addo expressed confidence in the country’s ability to welcome athletes from across the continent.

During his address, the President emphasized the historic significance of hosting the African Games for the first time in Ghana. He commended the determination shown in proceeding with the decision despite financial constraints and highlighted the completion of preparations, expressing satisfaction with the facilities, especially the recently commissioned Borteyman Sports Complex.

President Akufo-Addo praised the quality of sporting facilities, singling out the University of Ghana Sports Stadium as one of the event venues. He underscored the importance of such facilities for the nation’s sports development, emphasizing the need for their continued use beyond the games.

In his words, “It gives me great pleasure to report that all preparations are ready for Ghana to welcome sportsmen and women from around the continent to participate in the 13th edition of the African Games. It seems incredible, but this is the first time that Ghana will be hosting these games. It has taken a lot of courage to have persisted with the decision to host the games, especially when our financial problems came in the midst of the preparations. But I am glad we went ahead.”

President Akufo-Addo expressed excitement about the completed preparations and the high-quality sporting facilities, emphasizing their potential long-term benefits for the country. Additionally, he noted the University of Ghana Sports Stadium’s historical significance, started under former President J.A. Kufuor and completed despite being abandoned by subsequent governments.