Accra: What was supposed to be a celebration of African athletics is increasingly being overshadowed by growing controversy over the organisation of the 2026 African Senior Athletics Championships. Just two days into the competition at the University of Ghana Stadium, athletes, journalists, and officials have publicly raised concerns about conditions at the continental event, with complaints ranging from food rationing and accommodation issues to internet failures and scheduling confusion.
According to Ghana Web, one of the biggest talking points emerged after South African shot put athlete Aiden Smith criticised the treatment of competitors at the Games Village. Smith alleged athletes were restricted when it came to food portions despite the physical demands of competition. 'We're not allowed to take more than one chicken bone,' he complained, while also claiming athletes were limited to one egg during meals. The South African further alleged there were accommodation problems, including missing blankets, lack of warm water, and malfunctioning taps in some rooms.
Deputy Director General of the National Sports Authority, Veronica Commey, however, rejected claims of food shortages. She insisted there was enough food available after personally inspecting the facilities.
The backlash has also extended into competition management itself. In the men's 100m final on day two of the event, athletes were forced to wait for over 10 minutes before results were confirmed due to a photo finish situation, with reports suggesting there was no immediate technology available to quickly determine placings. The delay left athletes, coaches, and fans confused inside the stadium.
Even more concerning were claims from the opening day, where athletes, journalists, and spectators had no access to official timing systems. Many finished races without immediately knowing their times, raising questions about basic competition delivery standards at a continental championship.
Meanwhile, journalists covering the championships have also complained about the non-availability of internet at the media centre, overcrowded tribunes, and difficulties accessing start lists and accreditation. Tensions escalated further after Ghana Athletics Association president Bawa Fuseini clashed with sections of the media during a press briefing over complaints about working conditions.
Athletes have also questioned transportation and scheduling arrangements. Ghanaian hurdler Seidu Mammoudou Baba revealed he arrived expecting a 4 p.m race only to discover the event had started at 2 p.m, leaving him without a proper warm-up. Despite the controversies, competition continues, although the growing complaints have sparked debate over Ghana's organisation of one of Africa's biggest athletics events.