The Minister for Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, has stated that hosting the 13th African Games in Ghana has enhanced the nation’s sports facilities and elevated its status among African countries with excellent multi-purpose sports facilities.
During his address to Parliament on Tuesday to provide an update on the African Games, Mustapha Ussif stressed the government’s decision to invest in sports infrastructure for the Games.
This, he said, has positioned Ghana as a preferred destination in Africa for international sports events.
According to him, Ghana has received requests to host international sports events following the conclusion of the Games, attributing this interest to the world-class facilities the government developed for the event.
“Ghana is now a preferred destination for international sports events, thanks to the high-quality facilities the government invested in for the Games,” said Mustapha Ussif.
“The facilities at Borteyman, especially, the Aquatic Centre is one of its kind in the whole of Africa. This has positioned Ghana as a preferred destination to host and organize international competitions and tournaments.”
“We have already received requests from international sports bodies seeking to host international sports events in Ghana. For example, the Commonwealth has been in contact, wanting Ghana to host the Commonwealth Youth Games.”
“Recently, an international athletics championship was held in Ghana. And thanks to our excellent facilities, Ghana has just won the bid to host the 2026 African Athletics Championship.”
“These are the legacies of hosting the African Games. The benefits are enormous and it has propelled our country high and among leading African countries with the best sports infrastructure. This is what President Akuf-Addo envisioned for the country.”
The Sports Minister also outlined measures to maintain the facilities, revealing that the facilities at the University of Ghana will be handed over to the University of Ghana, while the Borteyman Complex, will be turned into a University for Sports Development.
While also considering a proposal from the private sector to manage the facility, the Ministry, has, in the meantime, handed over the facility to the National Sports Authority for immediate management.