13th African Games: The future of Ghana sports is promising, with more opportunities in the offing – Bawumia
Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has noted that the 13th African Games, Accra 2023, which ended on Saturday, March 23, has been truly historic and successful for Ghana, on and off the field and tracks.
He indicated that hosting this prestigious African sports festival, for the first time in Ghana’s nation’s history, in the midst of unforeseen challenges that affected the global sporting calendar, has proven, once again, what Ghana can achieve with a possibility mindset.
During the event, Ghana bagged a total of sixty-eight medals, comprising nineteen gold, twenty-nine silver, and twenty bronze, marking the nation’s most significant achievement to date.
Dr Bawumia in a statement said Accra 2023 has not only left Ghana a legacy of world class, multi-sports facilities, which will positively impact our sports development, it has also been a launch pad for young Ghanaian athletes.
Many of these athletes, hed added, have also written their names in gold, by giving Ghana our biggest medal haul ever at any international sports competition.
“As the well-organised 13th edition of the African Games comes to a close today, I extend my warmest congratulations to all our national teams and individuals, who have made Ghana proud by winning medals in their respective competitions. This is just the beginning. The future of Ghana Sports is promising, with more opportunities in the offing for our talented youth,” he wrote on X.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo also expressed gratitude to Ghanaians for believing in and supporting the government to host the 13th Africa Games.
In a statement issued on Saturday, March 23, 2024, President Akufo-Addo said “To each and every member of the Ghanaian team, I commend you for your dedication, perseverance and unwavering commitment to excellence. Your excellent achievements have not only brought glory to our nation but have also inspired a new generation of sportspersons across our beloved country. You have showcased the best of Ghana to the world.”
President Akufo-Addo expressed gratitude to the team and the citizens for their faith in the government and for disregarding the sceptics who advocated for the games’ cancellation.
“To the people of Ghana, I thank you for believing in the ability of the Government to host the Games, for the first time in our history. I am also grateful that you did not listen to the naysayers who doubted our nation’s resolve, and urged us to cancel the games,” he stated.
He reiterated his pledge to leverage sports as an instrument for national advancement and cohesion.
“As we bask in the glory of this unprecedented success, let us also reaffirm our commitment to promoting sports as a tool for national development and unity. Together, we can harness the power of sports to build a stronger, healthier, and more prosperous Ghana for generations to come.”
