Bawumia inspects African Games facilities

Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, alongside Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif and other dignitaries, embarked on a tour of facilities intended for the 13th African Games on Wednesday.

Dr. Bawumia inspected the ongoing works at the Borteyman Sports Complex and the University of Ghana.

Originally slated for August 2023, the Games were rescheduled to March 2024 due to delays in the completion of essential infrastructure. Subsequent to the announcement of the new dates, progress at both venues has been notable, with completion nearing.

During the launch of the 100-day countdown at the University of Ghana, Dr. Bawumia emphasized the significance of the African Games in fostering future development. He stated, “Our government sees the development, promotion, and organization of sports, especially the African Games, as an event for the future. The construction of modern sports facilities for the African Games is, therefore, a deliberate effort towards providing additional infrastructure to propel sports for development.”

Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif, after inspecting the facilities, expressed confidence in Ghana’s readiness to host the continent in March 2024. He affirmed, “We are fully prepared to host the entire African continent here in March 2024. We have visited the biggest aquatic centre, which is the biggest in Africa. We are also developing a multipurpose hall that will be used for basketball, handball, and other indoor games, which is a 1,000-seater with VIP.”

Ussif further mentioned that contractors are expected to hand over the facilities in December for testing. Dr. Kwaku Ofosu-Asare, Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, also conveyed his delight at the progress of work at the Borteyman Sports Complex and the University of Ghana.

The anticipated event is set to welcome over 3,500 athletes and officials from 55 countries, engaging in 23 sporting disciplines over the 16-day period.