After 16 days of intense competition,the 13th edition of the African Games officially ends today 23rd of March 2024. The closing ceremony took placeat the University of Ghana Sports Stadium in Accra, Ghanaunder the chairmanship of the President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
The ceremony that held in front of more than 10,000 spectators was dotted by a parade of the athletes representing the 52 countries in attendance. It also features murals celebrating peace, tolerance and hospitality, symbolizing the diversity of the country and its craft and artistic wealth.
Team Nigeria’s crusade at the African Games in Accra, Ghana, ended on a glorious note, with the contingent pulling out a total of 120 medals (47 gold, 33 silver and 40 bronze) to finish second behind Egypt.
In his welcome speech, the President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, highlighted that the 13th African Games represent a festival of unity, sportsmanship, and distinction spanning of African continent. He stressed that the occasion stands as a symbol of hope, echoing the collective heritage and unified goals of Africans. He commended the fair play spirit of the African youth during the competition and enjoins participants to embody the highest standards of integrity in their future endeavours.
Akufo-Addo also added that the 13th edition of the African Games was a window of opportunity to show the ability of Africa to host important sporting events.
The African Union Commission honored the closing ceremony of the Games with the presence of a delegation headed by the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E Moussa Faki Mahamat. He commended the people and government of the Republic of Ghana, under the strong leadership of H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, for the massive investments in sporting facilities and infrastructure in preparation to host the 13th edition of African Games, “Accra 2023”.
During his opening remarks, the Minister of Youth and Sports of Ghana and President of the organizing committee, Mr. Hon. Mustapha Ussif expressed his gratitude to African Union for giving Ghana the opportunity to host and for its leadership and constructive collaboration. He added that the multi- disciplinary sports facilities built for the game will continue to be useful to the entire sub-Region for training and competition purposes.
Mr. Ussif commended the fair play spirit of the African youth during the competition and expressed his gratitude to the African Union for its leadership and constructive collaboration. He pointed out the fact that sport is a catalyst towards bringing the African people together and a driver for peace on the continent. He also highlighted that the 13th edition of the African Games was a window of opportunity to show the ability of Africa to host important sporting events.
This 13th edition brought together over 5000 athletes competing in 29 sporting disciplines. The highlights of the closing ceremony includes, participating country’s flag march, traditional African performances, lowering of the games flag and extinguishing of the flame, handing over of games flag, firework display and musical performances by renownedAfrican artists and lots more.
Egypt was officially handed the African Games flag at the closing ceremony of the 13th African Games on Saturday, March 23, 2024, in Accra Ghana as the next country to host the 14th African Games.
The Executive Council of the African Union endorsed the offer of Egypt to host the 14th African Games which comes up in 2026.
Kehinde Ajayi
Director Press & Public Relations Unit
FMSD
