ACCRA 2023 : ‘HISTORY OF AFRICAN GAMES IS TIED WITH THE HISTORY OF THE CONTINENT ‘-VICE PRESIDENT BAWUMIA AS HE CEREMONIOUSLY OPEN UG SPORTS STADIUM FOR USE

His Excellency the vice president of Ghana Dr Mahmud Bawumia has stated that the history of the African Games can historically be linked to the continent of Africa.

The Vice President, made this assertion on Friday, March 1, 2024, when he officially commissioned the University of Ghana sports stadium at the campuses of the premier University in Accra.

The beautifully designed 10,000 capacity stadium will serve as one of the venues for the continental events scheduled between 8 to 23 March, 2024 in Ghana.

During the inauguration, the Vice President said “The history of the African Games is tied with the history of the continent.

He went ahead to say, “I believe it is common knowledge that the Great Pan African and First President of the Republic of Ghana, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah is a founding member of the Games. The Games thus inhabit the Spirit of Africa and Pan Africanism.

He therefore stressed the essence of the games under the theme “Experience the African Dream,” that embody values of unity, independence, and cultural awareness, fostering collaboration and cooperation among African nations.

His Excellency added that, “this is the age of the African Renaissance. The continent is tagged by Trade, Finance and Global opportunities with the potential to shape geopolitics and world economics for decades to come.

“This potential would not marginally materialize to propel our people into prosperity without conscious and intentional action on the part of everyone, especially leadership across all social divides and facets of society.”

Dr Bawumia further stated, “the United Nations had Identified sports as the most appropriate vehicle for sustainable Socio-economic development and made a pronouncement as such in 2018. Combined with the youthful bulge of our demographic dividend, the opportunity is here, and the time is now. Ghana is ready to host the world.”

He admonished the fact that, despite the challenges in constructing these facilities, he is confident in the immediate and substantial returns these edifices will yield and to also position Ghana as a leading destination for sports events on the continent.

The 2024 presidential candidate for the New Patriotic Party did not lose sight of the government’s contribution in sports development led by president Akuffo Addo by emphasizing that, “It is in recognition of many social and cultural benefits inherent in sports that the Government of His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic, took the bold decision to bid for and win the rights for Ghana to host this edition of the African Games. This visionary step has resulted in the construction of international standard sporting facilities such as the University of Ghana Sports Stadium and Rugby Field and the Borteyman Sports Complex”.

However, more than 13,000 sports technocrats, elite athletes, technicians, and officials, alongside volunteers from the 54 member nations are expected to take part in the 13th African Games, under the spirit of unity and the showcasing of Africa’s sporting talent and cultural diversity.

The Stadium is expected to be handed over to the management of the University of Ghana after the African Games to ensure for it’s proper maintenance.

Kyei Manu

I’m a Practicing Media Personnel /Freelance Journalist. The Editor/Blogger of this portal, with interest in Sports, Environmental and other Social issues that affects society.
A member of Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) and AIPS International.