100-Day countdown a triumphant moment for African Games, says Minister

The Minister of Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, has hailed the commencement of the 100-day countdown to the 13th African Games (Accra 2023) as a significant triumph and the clearest sign yet that Ghana has cleared the most difficult hurdles and is ready to deliver the best games ever.

He acknowledged that the country had overcome some obstacles since winning the bid in 2018 to host the continental showpiece, but the resilience and determination of the government ensured that its partners and stakeholders were all aligned towards a common goal which had ensured that Ghana was fully prepared to welcome participants, officials and fans from over 54 African countries.

Speaking at the launch of the 100-day countdown in Accra on Wednesday, Mr Ussif underscored the broader implications of hosting the 13th African Games, describing it as a catalyst for progress and growth.

He stated that the construction of state-of-the-art sports facilities would not only provide a platform for athletic excellence, but also contribute to overall infrastructure development, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.

The minister revealed the government's vision to transform the facilities at Borteyman into a University of Sport for Development, aligned with a long-term strategy to harness sports for socio-economic development.

Uniting Africans
With the countdown underway, Mr Ussif extended a warm welcome to athletes, coaches, journalists, fans and officials, emphasising the country's commitment to providing not just a memorable but truly unforgettable experience.

For his part, the Executive Chairman of the LOC, Dr Kwaku Ofosu-Asare, expressed his gratitude to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for spearheading Ghana's effort to host the games for the first time despite the initial challenges.

He disclosed that the President's commitment was evident in the investment of over $195 million in the construction of facilities at the University of Ghana and the Borteyman Sports Complex, among other facilities for the competition, scheduled for March 8-23, 2024.

He urged corporate bodies to support the government's commitment by donating funds towards the operational costs of the LOC.

The President of the Association of African Sports Confederations, Ahmed Nasser, said the countdown was further proof that the country was ready to host the games.

He said the construction of modern facilities at Borteyman and the University of Ghana were further proof that the 13th African Games would be held as scheduled and be a resounding success.