African Games: International organizations are applauding Ghana for hosting ‘spectacular’ Games

Ghana’s Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif has claimed that the ongoing 2023 African Games has garnered praise from international bodies.

He made this statement during a press briefing on Monday evening to address concerns on reports of organisational hitches and logistical challenges which have emerged, sparking concerns among athletes and spectators.

Ussif claimed that international officials have commended Ghana for hosting a spectacular event, urging the media and the public to focus on the positives.

“Every international official that we have engaged is applauding us for hosting spectacular games so far. So let’s all embrace and position Ghana as a sports destination,” he said.

“There are a lot of positives that we can talk about. Let’s focus on them,” he concluded by urging the media to focus on the positives.

However, incidents such as a power outage at the Cape Coast stadium during the Black Princesses’ victory over Ethiopia, transportation issues for badminton players, and cyclists competing with substandard equipment have raised questions about the overall organization of the games.

Badminton player Leslie Addo disclosed that he and his teammates were transported to the competition on the bucket of a pick-up truck, while a cyclist shared a similar plight after his bicycle broke down moments into the race. Weightlifter Winnifred Ntumi, who secured Ghana’s first three medals, revealed using her own apparel for the competition due to delayed and inadequate equipment delivery.

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Ghana has invested a substantial $195 million in infrastructure for the games, with an additional $47 million allocated for operational expenses during the competition, which runs from March 8-23, 2024.

Despite the challenges, Ghana has claimed four medals, elevating the country to the top 10 in the medal table.

The contrasting narratives of success from the minister and the reported issues have led to mixed reviews of the 2023 African Games hosted by Ghana.

As the competition continues, scrutiny persists over the nation’s ability to effectively manage the event and deliver a positive experience for athletes and fans alike.