The President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has urged participants in the ongoing 13th African Games to compete with the utmost integrity and sportsmanship.
He has also called on countries taking part in the competition to honour the values of fair play and mutual respect, thus ensuring a memorable and enriching experience for all involved.
“I urge all participants to compete with the utmost integrity and sportsmanship, honouring the values of fair play and mutual respect,” he stated.
President Akufo-Addo said this in his address at the opening ceremony of the 13th African Games held at the University of Ghana Stadium, Accra, on Friday, March 8, 2024.
The President urged participating countries to ensure that the games are conducted peacefully and without incidents, further enhancing the spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship.
“Together, let us write a new chapter in the history of African sports, one defined by excellence, unity, and progress,” Akufo-Addo remarked.
PRIDE
President Akufo-Addo was proud of the comprehensive sports infrastructure developed by his administration, which facilitated the successful hosting of the 13th African Games.
“We were compelled by factors beyond our control to push the games to March 2024. It has taken a lot of courage to have persisted with the decision to host the games, and I’m glad we went ahead. Today, we in Ghana can be proud of the massive sporting infrastructure we have put in place for the game.”
According to the president, this infrastructure will be a legacy for the country, adding that the commitment to hosting the games reflects the nation’s belief in the transformative power of sports and its ability to inspire, motivate, and bring people together.
Ghana is hosting the 13th edition of the African Games, with 53 other countries in the country for the continent’s famous competition.
This is the first time the competition is being held in Ghana since its inception in 1965.
FACILITIES
The Minister for Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, speaking at the opening ceremony said Ghana could boast of “the finest multi-sporting discipline facilities in the sub-region.”
He said these facilities will continue to be useful not only to Ghana but to the entire sub-region for training and competition purposes.
CEREMONY
The opening ceremony was spectacular, despite the low patronage. The University of Ghana stadium was not full to capacity.
Regardless, the display of Ghanaian culture through various performances enlightened the atmosphere and enticed the public ahead of the games.
The beautiful stage was well utilised by the dancers, who displayed cultures from almost all regions of Ghana.
The opening ceremony was climaxed by special performances from musicians in Ghana and South Africa.
Ghana’s favourite dancehall artiste, Charles Nii Armah Mensah, popularly called Shatta Wale, mounted the stage amidst resounding cheers and the audience sang through with him, till he exhausted his time.
The legendary highlife musicians Pat Thomas and Ebo Taylor, brought back memories of the typical highlife tune, which originates from Ghana, before the ‘Dalie’ hitmaker, Kamo Mphela from South Africa, treated the audience to some Amanpiano.
King Promise, Ghana’s Afro-fusion singer, thrilled the audience with a spectacular performance, ending the show with his much-loved ‘Terminator’ banger.
