Ghana has been confirmed as host of the 13th edition of the African Games, set to take place in 2023 after signing an agreement with the African Union (AU).
Ghana was awarded the Games in October 2018 after edging Egypt, but doubts had emerged over its capacity to host the mega-sporting event.
The Youth and Sports Ministry quashed rumours in June that Ghana would lose hosting rights but further declared the Government’s commitment to putting in place the required infrastructure for the Games.
Dr. Kwaku Ofosu Asare, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee of the 2023 African Games has confirmed an agreement has been signed between Ghana and African Union to host the event with preparations already underway.
“Without the protocol agreement, it is practically impossible for Ghana to host the Games. We had to go back and forth to get it signed. We are happy it has finally been endorsed for us to go ahead with the plans to host the Games. Though work has started already, the door is now open for the greater works to commence as Ghana is set to make a mark with hosting the African Games.”
Dr. Ofosu -Asare added that a creative identity manual has been approved by the AU alongside the protocol.
President Nana Addo-Dankwa Akuffo Addo who has thrown massive support for the Games is expected to partake in the unveiling of the games logo, mascot, and branding which has also been approved by AU.
The President back in September launched the construction of a $145 million sports complex being built for the event.
The main feature of the complex at Borteyman would be a 1,000-capacity aquatics centre, featuring a 10-lane competition pool and eight-lane warm-up pool.
A multi-purpose sports hall with a capacity of 10,000 will also be built and used to stage badminton, basketball, boxing, table tennis, and weightlifting, along with a 500-seat temporary dome to host handball, judo, karate, taekwondo, and volleyball.
A tennis centre with five courts, including a 1,000-capacity centre court, a six-lane warm-up athletics track, and a FIFA-standard football training field are also due to be included as part of the new complex.
Ghana is hosting the Games for the first with Accra, Kumasi and Cape Coast named the host cities.
