Ghana proudly opened the 2025 Africa AirBadminton Championships at Laboma Beach Resort with a vibrant ceremony led by the Minister of Sports and Recreation, Hon. Kofi Adams. The event marks the first time Ghana is hosting the prestigious beach badminton tournament, drawing athletes and officials from across the continent.
Speaking at the opening, Minister Kofi Adams expressed his joy and pride:
It’s a great pride for me to stand before you to officially open the AirBadminton Ghana 2025. I’m blessed having become a minister and all activities are happening in our country, I’m happy for that.
The minister also used the occasion to encourage more international sporting events to be held in Ghana.
Ghana is more than ready to host tournaments like this in the country. So Mr. President, give us opportunities to host tournaments like this. We will deliver anytime you call upon us, he said.
He emphasized the importance of such events beyond the sport itself:
This tournament represents more than sports alone. It aligns with Ghana’s national aspirations to position our country as a preferred destination for international sports tourism, bringing economic opportunity to us.
The championship has brought together athletes from 10 countries, including Ghana, Nigeria, Egypt, Togo, South Africa, Mauritius, Côte d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Benin, and the Central African Republic. Ghana is represented by rising stars Leslie Nii Adote Addo and Aduam Jennifer, both eager to shine on home sand.
The tournament features competitions in Team Relay, Women’s Triples, and Men’s Triples, with top teams in the relay earning a place at the AirBadminton World Cup 2025 in the UAE.
Also present were Mr. Evans Yeboah, President of the Ghana Badminton Association; GOC President Richard Akpokavie, Esq.; and Badminton Confederation Africa President Mr. Bau Tukebana Michael.