Accra is preparing to host another major continental event — the 2026 African Senior Athletics Championships — scheduled to take place from May 12 to 17 at the University of Ghana Stadium.
About 54 countries are expected to participate in the 24th edition of the championships, which will serve as the first major outdoor competition of the season. Many athletes are expected to use the event as preparation for the upcoming Commonwealth Games.
At a colourful launch event in Accra, top officials from across the continent gathered to signal the official countdown to Africa’s premier track and field competition, now just weeks away.
Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Iddie Adams, said Ghana would draw on lessons from hosting the 2023 African Games to ensure a successful championship.
He reaffirmed government’s commitment to the event, noting support from President John Dramani Mahama to promote the growth and visibility of athletics in Ghana.
“From the moment Ghana was entrusted with this honour, we have worked closely with the Confederation of African Athletics and the Local Organising Committee to ensure everything is in place,” he said.
Mr. Adams also urged corporate Ghana to take advantage of the event by investing in athletics, describing the sport as a strong platform for branding and marketing.
“We invite our continental brothers and sisters to join us in making this event a success and a showcase of Africa’s best athletes. When visitors arrive, we want them to feel at home and experience Ghana’s readiness to host a world-class championship,” he added.
President of Ghana Athletics, Fuseini Bawa, who is also a member of the Local Organising Committee, described the launch as a transition from planning to execution.
He disclosed that key subcommittees — including accommodation and feeding, transport and logistics, security, protocol, as well as media and sponsorship — are working steadily and will now intensify efforts ahead of the Confederation’s final inspection in mid-April.
Accommodation arrangements are also progressing, with Limann Hall at the University of Ghana designated to host participating athletes. Preparations are expected to accelerate as the university goes on break later this month.
“Having launched the event, we will now consistently update the nation on progress and what remains to be done to ensure a successful championship,” Mr. Bawa said, adding that preparations will now become more visible.
Over the six days of competition, the stadium is expected to come alive with thrilling track and field action, reminiscent of the excitement witnessed during the 2023 African Games.
Top athletes from across the continent are expected to compete, including Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan, the world record holder in the 100 metres hurdles, alongside strong relay teams from South Africa and Botswana.
Ghana will also field leading athletes such as Rose Amoanimaa Yeboah, Joseph Paul Amoah, Benjamin Azamati, Ibrahim Fuseini, Isaac Botsio, Edwin Gadayi and Abdul-Rasheed Saminu.
The championships are also expected to reignite regional rivalries, particularly between Ghana and Nigeria, promising an exciting spectacle for athletics fans.
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