Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Ghanaian Times
Published on 2024-02-28 09:06:39
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has boldly announced Ghana’s readiness to host the 13th African Games, emphasizing that the country is prepared to welcome all sports athletes to the continental event. In his State of the Nation address to Parliament, President Akufo-Addo reiterated the government’s commitment to organizing a successful and historic African Games.
“It is incredible that Ghana will be hosting the African Games for the first time. Despite financial challenges during the preparation, we have persevered and are now fully ready to welcome sports men and women from across the continent,” President Akufo-Addo stated.
He expressed satisfaction with the completion of preparations and highlighted his visit to commission the Games village at Borteyman, where he was pleased with the progress. The President also mentioned that the sporting facilities built for the games will benefit athletes long after the event.
President Akufo-Addo mentioned that some events will take place at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium, a project that started under former President J.A. Kufuor and has now been completed during his administration. He noted that it took 75 years for the University of Ghana to have its sports stadium, emphasizing the importance of such facilities.
In addition, the President revealed plans to unveil a Presidential Policy on Football, aimed at addressing challenges in the sport and focusing on talent scouting and development at the grassroots level. The Ministry of Education’s school sports department will collaborate with the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Ghana Football Association to build teams at the district, regional, and national levels to nurture talent.
President Akufo-Addo highlighted the construction of over 150 astro turf pitches across the country to provide foundational facilities for talent development. He emphasized the importance of merit-based progression for players from juvenile teams to senior squads, citing the success of past development plans led by the late Ben Koufie.
The President praised the senior women’s team, the Black Queens, for qualifying for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and encouraged them to strive to overturn a deficit in their Olympic Games qualifier against Zambia. He expressed confidence that with dedication and patience, Ghana’s football teams, including the Black Stars, will rise and make the nation proud once again.
Overall, President Akufo-Addo’s address highlighted Ghana’s readiness to host the African Games, outlined plans for football development, and expressed optimism for the future of sports in the country. His commitment to nurturing talent and building strong sporting infrastructure demonstrates a long-term vision for Ghana’s sports sector.
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