The state-of-the-art University of Ghana Sports Stadium, along with the Games Village and Ancillary Facilities, have been officially commissioned to host the upcoming African Games.
The facilities were commissioned by His Excellency Vice-President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, joined by dignitaries including H.E. Minata Samate Cessouma, the Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs, and Social Development of the African Union Commission, Ghana’s Sports Minister Hon. Mustapha Ussif and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo.
The commissioning signaled Ghana’s readiness to welcome athletes from across the continent for a showcase of talent and camaraderie. Speaking at the ceremony, Vice- President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia expressed his pride in Ghana's ability to host such a prestigious game and laid emphasis on the country's commitment to promoting sports and advancing unity among African nations through the Accra 2023 games.
“We are honoured to welcome athletes and officials from across the continent to Ghana. The African Games serve as a platform for unity, friendship and healthy competition and Ghana is ready to showcase its hospitality during the games," remarked Vice President Bawumia.
His Excellency Vice-President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia
The Vice-President further noted that the commissioning of the UG facilities reiterated the government’s commitment to hosting the games. He praised efforts by all involved towards hosting the games for the first time in the country’s history. He noted that the facilities will have a huge impact on sports development and expressed his appreciation to the various stakeholders.
Vice-President Dr. Bawumia expressed pride in Ghana's ability to host the African Games, citing it as an indication of the nation's commitment to sports development and regional cooperation. He lauded the completion of the infrastructure as a significant achievement and commended all stakeholders involved for their hard work and dedication.
While acknowledging the role of government in the construction of the stadium with a warm-up pitch and the GETFund that provided the initial funding for the project, H.E. Dr. Bawumia intimated that the stadium has become a legacy for the University on the occasion of its 75th anniversary.
Regarding the African games, he indicated that it rekindles the African dream and urged that the games be conducted in a spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie. “Over the period of the games, over 13,000 athletes, technical experts, officials and volunteers are expected in Ghana,” he announced.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo expressed profound joy at the successful completion of the facilities designated to host the upcoming African Games. She conveyed the University of Ghana's eagerness to embrace the opportunity to house the world-class facilities and to capitalise on the resulting infrastructural development towards the University’s sports development agenda.
Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo
The newly constructed rugby fields and Borteyman Sports Complex according to the Vice- Chancellor, holds promise for elevating the University’s drive in sports development and
the transformative potential of these infrastructural additions in shaping the future of sports at UG.
Prof. Amfo revealed the formation of a committee tasked with deliberating on strategies for the operationalisation and maintenance of the facilities beyond the conclusion of the African Games, a proactive measure affirming UG's commitment to ensuring the enduring impact and sustainability of the state-of-the-art amenities.
H.E. Minata Samate Cessouma, the Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development of the African Union Commission, delivered a message of solidarity from the African Union Commission, highlighting the significance of the facilities' commissioning as a demonstration of Ghana's readiness to host a successful continental event.
H.E. Minata Samate Cessouma, the Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development of the African Union Commission
She stressed the rising prominence of Africa in sports over the decades and called attention to the immense contributions of sports to African economies and development efforts. Expressing optimism for the enduring legacies of the games, H.E. Minata stated the importance of providing opportunities for young people to thrive.
Her remarks detailed the broader significance of the African Games beyond the competition, portraying them as a catalyst for societal advancement and empowerment, particularly among the youth.
In his report, the Minister for Youth and Sports, Hon. Mustapha Ussif, reaffirmed the Ministry's unwavering dedication to ensuring the success of the upcoming African Games, despite facing various challenges along the way. He pointed out the crucial role of the newly completed facilities, projecting them to serve as centers of excellence for nurturing talents and preparing athletes for both national and international sports competitions.
Minister for Youth and Sports, Hon. Mustapha Ussif
Acknowledging the significance of the investment in these facilities, the Sports Minister mentioned potential contributions to the overall economic development of the country. Furthermore, he issued a call to all Ghanaians to extend warm hospitality to the athletes and officials participating in the games, underlining the importance of fostering a welcoming and supportive atmosphere throughout the event.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee of the 2023 African Games, Dr. Kwaku Ofosu-Asare, extended gratitude to all partners, the government and contractors for accelerating progress on the facilities hosting the African Games. He announced that the Legon facilities will serve as the hub of the games and urged everyone to be security conscious during the period of the 13th African Games.
Chairman of the Local Organising Committee of the 2023 African Games, Dr. Kwaku Ofosu-Asare
The commissioning of the UG Sports Stadium, Games Village and Ancillary Facilities marks the beginning of an exciting journey towards a memorable celebration of athleticism and unity in Africa.
Present at the event were state officials, ministers of state, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of state agencies, UG officials, the Ghana Supporters Union, the Military Central Band, contractors working on the facilities, among others.
Inside view of the UG Sports Stadium
