by Silas Boahene | Feb 28, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, International, Other Sports
The Ghana Swimming Association (GSA) has extended its gratitude to President Nana Akufo-Addo for the construction of modern facilities, particularly the aquatics center, in preparation for the 13th African Games. President Madam Delphina Quaye and Treasurer Farida Alhassan expressed their elation at the new swimming facility, highlighting its significance in hosting major swimming competitions and generating interest in the sport throughout the country.
The GSA has also released the provisional list of swimmers for the upcoming 13th African Games scheduled for March 8 to 23, 2024. The selected group of 11 swimmers, including four ladies and seven men, will undergo training in preparation for the games. The ladies consist of Nubia Adjei, Zaira Forson, Unilez Yebowaah Takyi, and Joselle Mensah, while the men’s team includes Abeku Jackson, Kow Asafua Jackson, Nicklaus Yeboah, Theodore Asampong Kwaa Jnr, Harry Stacey, Ivan Snowden, and Hector Titus Twumasi Ankrah.
The coaching responsibilities for the swimmers fall under Coach Daniel Okyere Opare of the University of Ghana, with additional support from Pavel Kutashev. The aquatics events are scheduled to take place from March 9 to 13 at the newly constructed Aquatic Center in Borteyman.
by Silas Boahene | Feb 28, 2024 | Africa, Athletics, Basketball, Boxing, Ghana, International, Other Sports, Soccer
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.
by Silas Boahene | Feb 28, 2024 | Africa, Athletics, Ghana, International, Soccer
Dr. Bella Bello Bitugu, the University of Ghana stadium’s venue manager for the African Games, has expressed confidence in the facility’s readiness to host the prestigious event. Dr. Bitugu, also the sports director for the University, mentioned that only about two or three percent of work remains for the facility to be fully operational. Speaking to JoySports, he highlighted the completion of various sections such as the VIP area, Rugby pitch, and marked lanes, with ongoing certification processes. Dr. Bitugu emphasized that the sporting infrastructure is almost entirely prepared, and the team is committed to completing the remaining work before the commencement of the games.
by Silas Boahene | Feb 28, 2024 | Africa, Athletics, Basketball, Boxing, Ghana, International, Other Sports, Soccer
The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the 13th African Games has refuted claims made by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa regarding their operational budget. A letter from LOC Chairman Dr. Kwaku Ofosu Asare stated that the reported GHS602,000 (US$48 million) expenditure over 18 days is “erroneous” and a “misrepresentation of the facts.” The committee argues that the budget covers recurrent expenses related to hosting 54 African countries, including medical and anti-doping measures, transport, accommodation, catering, branding, games management, team preparation, broadcasting, and equipment for 29 sporting disciplines. The controversy arises as the country invested heavily in infrastructure, with US$195 million allocated for facilities to host the games, initially planned for August 2023 but postponed to 2024 due to delays in completing sports facilities.
by Silas Boahene | Feb 27, 2024 | Africa, Athletics, Boxing, Ghana, International, Other Sports
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.
