by Silas Boahene | Mar 4, 2024 | Africa, Athletics, Basketball, Boxing, Ghana, International, Other Sports
Accra, Ghana – On Saturday, Vice-President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia officially inaugurated the University of Ghana Sports and Rugby Stadiums, vital venues for the upcoming 13th African Games – Accra 2023. The Games kick off with table tennis action at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) dome on Monday.
The inauguration signifies a significant milestone in Ghana’s preparations for hosting elite athletes from across the continent, with the Black Loopers gearing up for the badminton competition at the Borteyman Sports Complex on Monday.
During his address, Vice-President Bawumia underscored the nation’s commitment not only to hosting the games but also to leaving a lasting legacy in sports infrastructure. He highlighted the construction of world-class facilities, including the Borteyman Sports Complex, aimed at fostering sports development for future generations.
The University of Ghana Sports Stadium, with a seating capacity of 10,000, will host the official opening ceremony of the Games on March 8. Equipped with a Mundo athletic track, warm-up track, and a modern rugby pitch, the stadium stands as a testament to perseverance, with construction spanning over 15 years and receiving support from past administrations.
Expressing gratitude to former President John Agyekum Kufuor and the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) for the initial funding, Dr. Bawumia highlighted the government’s dedication to sports development.
“I am particularly excited about the University of Ghana Sports Stadium due to its chequered history. The construction started over 15 years ago under John Agyekum Kufuor until President Akufo-Addo assumed office and decided to complete it,” he said.
“I would like to thank President Kufuor and the GETFund for providing initial funding for the construction of a stadium for the nation’s premier university.”
Dr. Bawumia also cited the construction of 150 astro turfs nationwide and 10 multi-purpose sports facilities across the regions as evidence of tangible progress in sports development.
by Silas Boahene | Mar 4, 2024 | Africa, International, Other Sports
The Ghana American Football Federation (GAFF), the governing body for American football and Non-Contact flag football in Ghana, embarked on a training camp journey to Johannesburg, South Africa, commencing on February 16, 2024.
The primary objective of this camp was to prepare for upcoming competitions, including the Andia Bowl and King Bowl tournaments scheduled to be held in Croatia and the Netherlands later this year. Both national federations secured official invitations to represent Africa in these prestigious tournaments after successfully qualifying.
During their stay in South Africa, the Ghanaian team actively engaged in bilateral discussions with their South African counterparts, focusing on strategies for the joint development of flag and contact football in their respective countries. This collaboration marks a significant milestone as it is the first of its kind between the two nations.
Upon the conclusion of the training camp, representatives from the Ghana American Football Federation held meetings with the President and executive members of the South African Federation in Benoni, Johannesburg. The discussions aimed to strengthen ties and foster mutual growth within the sport.
Building on their participation in the NFL flagship program in Florida, USA, earlier this year, GAFF remains committed to further developing American football across various age groups, including U14, U16, U19, and the senior team.
The Ghanaian delegation comprised nine members, including seven athletes and two officials. The entire trip was sponsored by the Ghana American Football Federation, with financial support from Northern Rok Limited and MC-Bbphylls Protocol Consult.
by Silas Boahene | Mar 4, 2024 | Africa, Athletics, Basketball, Boxing, Europe, Ghana, International, Other Sports
Representatives from the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) and the French Embassy in Ghana recently convened to finalize plans for Ghana’s participation in the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
The discussions encompassed a range of topics, including preparations for the forthcoming Africa Games, the proposed pre-Games training camp for Ghanaian athletes in Strasbourg, French government assistance for sports development, and future collaborative efforts between the GOC and the French embassy.
Mr. Julien Lecas, Head of the Cultural and Cooperation Department at the French Embassy, reiterated the embassy’s commitment to supporting Team Ghana in their journey towards the Olympic Games, including athletes participating in the Africa Games.
“As 2024 is dedicated to sports, the embassy will collaborate closely with you to ensure Team Ghana receives the necessary support to excel at the Olympic Games,” he affirmed.
President Ben Nunoo Mensah of the Ghana Olympic Committee emphasized the significance of the Africa Games as a crucial opportunity for Ghanaian athletes to secure berths at the Olympic Games. He highlighted the presence of eight Olympic qualification events across various sports.
Addressing the plans for the Ghanaian contingent at the Olympic Games, Mr. Isaac Duah, Chef de Mission for Paris 2024 at the GOC, assured that preparations in Strasbourg are well underway to provide optimal accommodations for Team Ghana.
by Silas Boahene | Mar 4, 2024 | Africa, Athletics, Basketball, Boxing, Ghana, International, Other Sports, Soccer
Headlining the 13th African Games Akwaaba Night Concert are Kuami Eugene, Kofi Kinaata, and Efya, making it one of the most eagerly awaited musical events of the year. Scheduled for Tuesday, March 5, 2024, this concert serves as a vibrant prelude to the excitement expected in Accra as Ghana hosts its inaugural African Games from March 8 to March 23, 2024.
Fusing the realms of sports and music, the event will showcase the richness of Ghanaian Highlife music on the eve of the nation’s 67th Independence Day celebrations. Attendees can anticipate not only captivating musical performances but also a dynamic presentation of Ghanaian culture. This will include fashion showcases highlighting diverse styles and a delightful array of traditional cuisines.
Beyond the musical extravaganza, the evening’s entertainment will expand to include top-notch comedians, promising laughter and unforgettable moments for the audience. Get ready for a night that seamlessly blends music, culture, and celebration!
by Silas Boahene | Mar 4, 2024 | Africa, Athletics, International
In the vibrant city of Glasgow, Burkina Faso’s renowned triple jump athlete, Hugues Fabrice Zango, clinched the gold medal at the World Athletics Indoor Championship held on Saturday.
The 30-year-old athlete emerged victorious in the final with a remarkable leap of 17.53 meters on his fifth attempt. Describing the win as profoundly significant for his country, Zango emphasized the importance of establishing notable figures in Burkina Faso’s sports landscape.
“We don’t have prominent names in sport in Burkina Faso. We need examples like me to truly bring something new to the sports scene in the country,” he expressed.
Zango highlighted the positive impact of his achievements, stating, “Since 2019, when I started winning some medals on the global stage, the Ministry of Sport began sponsoring young athletes.”
Aside from his sporting prowess, Zango, holding a Doctorate in Electrical Engineering, previously secured the title of world champion in outdoor triple jump in Hungary last August, achieving an impressive 17.64 meters.
The 2020 Tokyo Olympics marked a historic moment for Burkina Faso as Zango secured the country’s first-ever Olympic medal, claiming a bronze in the triple jump event.
Notably, Zango’s recent victory in 2024 marks his third success, setting a promising tone for his participation in the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
With plans to conclude his athletic career post the Paris games, Zango harbors dreams of achieving the pinnacle—a gold medal—for Burkina Faso in the Olympics, solidifying his legacy as an inspiring figure in the nation’s sports history.
