The 2023 edition of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) Ghana’s Fastest Human Race which marks its tenth-anniversary celebration has been launched at the Accra Sports Stadium in Accra.
The annual event is designed to unearth young talented 100 meters runners in the under-15, under-18, and senior categories to represent Ghana both on the continent and at the world level.
Speaking at the event, Nana Bediatuo Asante, Secretary to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo- Addo commended the organisers for the annual event which had produced world-class athletes for the country for the past ten years.
According to him, since the inception of the competition in 2013, he knew it was a laudable initiative to help grow athletics in Ghana.
Nana Bediatuo urged athletes in the country to grab the opportunity Ghana’s Fastest Human race brings to market themselves to the world.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to developing sports in Ghana, hence contributing to the success of the GNPC Ghana’s Fastest Human Race since its inception.
He thanked headline sponsor GNPC and other supporting sponsors for their massive contribution to growing athletics and urged other private companies to come on board to support the event.
Mr. Rekks Brobbey, founder of the GNPC Ghana’s Fastest Human in his keynote address said they were still on a mission of unearthing talents for Ghana, having recently spotted Joseph Andoh of Mfantsipim Senior High School who would be a continental champion in the future.
The former African champion said as part of efforts to help grow athletics in the country, they had engaged some world champions and coaches who would come on board to train Ghanaian athletics coaches.
Professor Peter Twumasi, the Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA) also commended the organisers of the competition for producing athletes who had raised the flag of Ghana high at the international front.
He expressed his confidence that this year’s event would produce more athletes as Ghana prepares to host the 13th Africa Games.
Professor Twumasi pledged the NSA’s commitment to support and provide the needed logistics and facilities for athletes to build their talents.
Mr. Anthony Ampofo, General Manager of GNPC stated that their reason for partnering with the event was the outfit’s quest to invest in sports and also help produce talents for the country.
He added that the organisation was keen on empowering the youth by bringing their dreams to reality and also promoting the image of Ghana.
Justice Stephen Alan Brobby, former Justice of the Supreme Court of Ghana and former Chief Justice of the Gambia also appealed to Ghanaians to use sports as a medium to promote peace, most especially in athletics.
Present at the event was the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee for the 2023 African Games Dr. Kwaku Ofosu Asare and other dignitaries.
The GNPC Ghana’s Fastest Human Competition had produced some great personalities like Benjamin Azamati, Ghana’s 100 meters record holder, Grace Obour, Joseph Paul Amoah, Sarfo Ansah, and the like.
The Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium would host the first event in Tamale on Saturday, April 29, 2023, and the second and third series at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium and Paa Joe Sports Stadium on May 27 and June 24 respectively.
The final event is scheduled for Saturday, July 29, 2023, at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium.
GNA
