President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana has described sports as something that have the power to bring people of diverse cultures and background together, and urged athletes participating in the ongoing 13th All Africa Games holding in Accra Ghana, to step onto the stage with confidence and showcase the power of sport.
President Akufo-Addo made the declaration at the opening ceremony of the 13th All Africa Games Friday in Accra, Ghana. “It is heart-warming to witness the unity of Africa through sports”, he said.
He congratulated all stakeholders for their contributions towards the success of the Accra 2023 African Games and commended the unwavering commitment of the participating athletes despite the challenges faced, believing that their “strength will bring hope to the people and unite Africa”.
Observing that the African Games are finally in Ghana after half a century the President pledged to make it a source of pride for generations to come.
He welcomed all to the city of Ghana and assured everyone of safe and pleasant stay from beginning to the end of the tournament. He encouraged everyone to immerse themselves in the culture, cuisine, and beauty of Ghana as a nation.
Earlier in his speech, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, paid tribute to the efforts made by the Ghana government and the authorities to provide these Games with an appropriate framework that reflects, on the one hand, the massive investments in sporting facilities and infrastructure in preparation to host the beautiful game.
The Ghana Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon. Mustapha Ussif noted that he takes pride in the privilege of Ghana hosting the Game and declared that the ultimate goal of the country is to create a lasting experience for all participants.
The President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo- Addo, The Chairperson, African Union Commission, Moussa faki Mahmat, The Minister of Youth Sports, Mustapha Ussif, The Minister of Sports Development, Sen. John Owan-Enoh, were all present at the event. Ministers of Sports from other countries were also in attendance.
The high point of the ceremony was the usual parade of athletes representing the 52 out of the 54 countries taking part in this continental sports dressed in different uniforms depicting each nations culture and tradition.
The 13th African Games, will be holding under the High Patronage of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, unfolding in nine (9) venues, namely, Ghana Sports Stadium, Borteyman Sports Complex, Theodosia Okoh Hockey Stadium, Achimota Crecket Oval, Ohene Djan Sports Stadium, Cape Coast Sports Stadium, Baba Yara Sports Stadium, Trust Sports Emporium and Laboma Beach Resort.
The African multi-sport contest seeks to advance top-class African Sports and to foster cultural exchanges between the Member States of the African Union. It is held in accordance with the provisions of the Sports Architecture in Africa agreed by the 5th Ordinary Assembly of the Ministers of Sports, convened in 2013 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. The organization of African Games draws from the Constitutive Act of the African Union and the Statute of the Africa Sports Council.
The African Games contribute to the promotion of the Olympic spirit and stand as a major rendezvous for African athletes. These Games are a milestone in the preparation of the Olympic Games as they are an opportunity for the continent’s athletes to express their potential.
This important continental event will be marked by the participation of more than 6,000 athletes competing in 29 sports disciplines, 17 of which are going to be qualifying to the Olympic Games of Paris 2024.
Games unofficially commenced last Wednesday with some team events such as football, volleyball and Table Tennis single. Some events have even been concluded and medals awarded.
The competition will end on March 23, 2024.
Kehinde Ajayi
Director Press & Public Relations Unit
FMSD
