We will not disgrace Ghana: LOC vows as nation gears to host African Athletics Championships in 2026
The Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Iddie Adams, today inaugurated a Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the 24th African Seniors Athletics Championships, slated for Accra in 2026.
The ceremony, held at the Ministry of Sports and Recreation (MoSR) Conference Room, formalises Ghana’s preparations to host what is anticipated to be one of the continent's largest sporting events next year—a year the Minister described as a uniquely "busy sporting year" for the nation. The tournament scheduled for the University of Ghana Stadium in Legon, will run from May 12-17, 2026.
Adams, in a wide-ranging address, framed 2026 as a critical period featuring Ghana’s participation in the FIFA World Cup, the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, and the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. However, he placed particular emphasis on the nation’s duty as host of the African Athletics Championships.
"We are privileged to have the honour of also being the host for the African Seniors Athletics Championship," Adams stated. He warned the newly sworn-in committee of the scale of the task, noting, "You have a responsibility to plan effectively for participation of athletes numbering more than a thousand. And to plan for such a number logistically is not going to be easy."
The Minister revealed significant expectations for the event, disclosing, "I am being informed that the World Athletics President, Lord Sebastian Coe, will be here for the championship. So that means very great personalities. The attention of the world when it comes to athletics would seriously be here."
He charged the committee, which is chaired by Farihan Alhassan, Managing Director of Ghana Commercial Bank, to not only deliver a successful event but to reignite grassroots passion for athletics. The committee includes Bawah Fuseini of Ghana Athletics; Veronica Commey of the National Sports Authority (NSA); Nathan Kwabena Anokye-Adisi, CEO of EIB Network; and Nii Okyne Adjei, CEO of Thermenergy Services Ltd.
Other members are Wilhelmina Asamoah, Chief Director of the MoSR; Betty Krobby Mensah, Coordinator for National Recreational at the MoSR; Col Tatteh representing National Security; Godwin Arko Gunn; and International Representative Falilatou Tchanile Salifou.
Recalling his schooldays, Adams mused, "Athletics attracted more numbers than football ever did. But maybe the only reason today football is attracting more numbers is because they have organised themselves much better… Athletics also have the opportunity to do the same."
He linked the championship’s potential legacy to President John Dramani Mahama’s focus on school sports, highlighting the appointment of Professor Sarpong as National School Sports Coordinator. "What you do with this championship can begin and not end. And open another door for Ghana’s athletic exploits," Adams urged.
Responding on behalf of the LOC, Mr. Bawah Fuseini gave a firm commitment. "Honourable Minister, we are guaranteeing that we are not going to disgrace you. We are not going to disgrace Ghana. We are not going to disgrace the President," Fuseini declared. "For the trust you have imposed on us, we are going to deliver and to make every Ghanaian proud."
