Ghana has officially set the stage for a sporting spectacle as the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Hon. Kofi Iddie Adams, launched the 24th African Senior Athletics Championships, Accra 2026 with a call for unity, investment, and grassroots development.
Addressing a distinguished audience of sports administrators, athletes, and stakeholders at the launch event, the Minister affirmed that Ghana’s commitment to sports, particularly athletics, is stronger than ever. He highlighted the pivotal role of the National Sports Commission and other institutions, noting that collective dedication remains the backbone of progress in grassroots sports.
Hon. Adams acknowledged the renewed dynamism within the Ministry and assured stakeholders that responsiveness to sporting matters has improved. He extended gratitude to key figures across the sector, including the National Sports Authority, the Ghana Olympic Committee, the Ghana Athletics Association, the Ghana Anti-Doping Agency, the Local Organizing Committee, and corporate partners whose contributions have been instrumental in the lead-up to the event.
At the heart of his message was a firm assurance from the government, under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, to provide equal growth opportunities for all sports disciplines. He pointed to the establishment of the Ghana Sports Fund as a landmark step toward structured and sustainable sports financing, designed to ensure long-term development across the sector.
Reflecting on Ghana’s athletics heritage, the Minister celebrated legendary figures such as Alice Annum while praising current stars like Abdul-Rashid Saminu and Ruth Yeboah for carrying the country’s hopes forward. He stressed that the future of athletics lies in nurturing young talent within schools, where the sport continues to thrive with passion and competitiveness.
However, Hon. Adams did not shy away from addressing persistent challenges. He expressed concern over inadequate infrastructure, revealing that some athletes still train on poor tracks or compete without proper gear. “This is not a story to tell,” he stated firmly, calling for urgent improvements to provide young athletes with the opportunity, structure, and support they deserve.
Looking ahead, Accra 2026 is expected to serve as more than just a championship. It is envisioned as a transformational platform. The Minister affirmed the importance of mentorship, exposure, and long-term athlete development, urging that young talents be given the chance to witness elite competition firsthand.
He also highlighted the commercial potential of athletics, describing it as a “household product” capable of attracting corporate investment. With proper branding and visibility, he believes the sport can become a major driver of Ghana’s sports economy. In a passionate appeal to corporate Ghana, Hon. Adams invited businesses to partner with the championship, reminding them that the continent’s finest athletes will converge in Accra, offering unmatched visibility and impact.
As Ghana prepares to welcome Africa, the Minister assured all participating countries of a warm reception, promising a championship that reflects excellence, unity, and the true spirit of the African continent.
The launch event saw strong institutional support, with the Board Chairman of the National Sports Authority, Prof. Awaah; the Director General of the NSA, Mr. Yaw Ampofo Ankrah; the President of Ghana Athletics, Mr. Bawah Fuseini; and the Administrator of the Ghana Sports Fund, Dr. David Kofi Wuaku, all in attendance to lend their backing to the official launch.