Ghana President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has officially inaugurated the Borteyman Sports Complex, a state-of-the-art facility that will serve as one of the primary venues for the upcoming African Games – Accra 2023.
The ceremony took place on Tuesday, marking the beginning of the 25-day countdown to the start of the competition.
During the event, President Akufo-Addo urged the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) to deliver an exceptional edition of the African Games, which is expected to attract over 8,000 visitors from across the continent.
He emphasised the importance of providing top-notch hospitality to the athletes, officials, journalists, and fans who will be attending the event.
The Borteyman Sports Complex is equipped with world-class facilities, including a 1,000-seater capacity swimming pool, a multi-purpose Sports Hall, a 500-seater temporary dome for handball, volleyball, judo, karate, taekwondo, fencing, and arm-wrestling, and a five-tennis court complex.
The complex will host seven competitive sports during the Games, including table tennis, handball, tennis, volleyball, swimming, badminton, and the triathlon, with four of these events – table tennis, tennis, triathlon, and badminton – doubling as qualifiers for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France.
What a sight to behold! The Borteyman Sports Complex has been duly commissioned by President Akufo-Addo this morning. Take a look at the beautiful edifice for the hosting and organization of 13th All African Games.#Accra2023 #13thAfricanGames #Bawumia2024 pic.twitter.com/AP0J2r7QBx
— The New TESCON Informant (@tesconinformant) February 13, 2024
President Akufo-Addo highlighted the hybrid approach adopted by his government and the LOC, which involves utilizing both existing facilities and completing new projects, such as the University of Ghana Stadium and the Borteyman Complex, to ensure timely readiness for the Games.
The Minister of Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, commended the consultant and contractor of the Borteyman facility for their swift completion of the project.
He envisioned the Borteyman Complex as a centre for sports excellence, serving as a legacy for future generations.
Mr Ussif expressed hope for the facility’s sustained maintenance to ensure that future generations also benefit from it.
The African Games, which will take place from March 8 to 23, 2024.