Accra: Mr Kofi Iddie Adams, the Minister for Sports and Recreation, has announced that the government is fully committed to ensuring the successful organization of the 2026 African Senior Athletics Championships. The government is collaborating with continental and local organizers to facilitate smooth preparations for the event.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Adams made these remarks during the event's launch at the Accra Sports Stadium. He emphasized that Ghana has intensified its engagement with the Confederation of African Athletics and the Local Organising Committee as the country gears up for the competition, set to take place from May 12-17, 2026, at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium.
Mr Adams, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for Buem, stated that the championships should be a platform to inspire young athletes and enhance mentorship programs. He highlighted the importance of strong branding and market positioning to attract corporate investment. "If packaged well, athletics can become commercially attractive through visibility and storytelling. Ghana is ready to host, ready to organise and ready to deliver a championship that reflects the best of our continent," Mr Adams said.
The Sports Minister called upon corporate institutions to increase their investment in school sports to fortify the foundation of athletics development in the lead-up to the championships. He expressed concerns over young talents lacking basic support, noting that some athletes still compete without proper footwear or adequate facilities.
Mr Adams pointed out that recent inter-school competitions in Kumasi had revealed the depth of emerging talent across the country, asserting that the next generation of athletes would thrive if provided with the right structures. He further mentioned the establishment of a Ghana Sports Fund, which aims to bolster talent development, enhance facilities, and promote long-term sports growth.
He paid homage to past athletics icons like Michael Ahey and Alice Annum and commended current stars such as Abdul-Rasheed Saminu and Rose Yeboah for continuing Ghana's rich sporting legacy.