13TH AFRICAN GAMES: THE LONG AWAITED EVENT OFFICIALLY ENDS

Gloria Mensah Writes:

The month of March is indeed remarkable, which has served Ghanaians a beacon of happiness. 

It is a month accompanied with Ghana's 67th Independence and All-Africa Games (AAG), the long awaited event held in Greater Accra, Ghana.

This marked the first time Ghana hosted the African Games.

The University of Ghana, Legon stadium was commissioned in 2024 to host the event, as well as Borteyman Sports Complex located in Borteyman, is a multidisciplinary sports center which its construction began in 2021 and completed in 2024, alongside Accra Sports Stadium, Bukom Boxing Arena among others. 

Borteyman Sports Complex, was commissioned by H.E President Akuffo-Addo on 13th February, 2024 and University of Ghana's Stadium commissioned by H.E Vice-President Dr. Bawumia ahead of the 13th African Games.

The event began on March 8, 2024 to March 23, 2024 with over 5,000 athletes participating in 29 sporting disciplines, to battle it out and won medals for their respective countries.

Activities performed during the event included  Basketball, Boxing, Football, Handball, Hockey, Taekwondo, Tennis, High Jump, Javelin, Shot Put, Marathon et cetera. 

Athletes from 52 nations who participated in this event, stand a chance to qualify for the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

 The countries that participated includes Ghana (Host Nation), Kenya, Egypt, Nigeria Burkina Faso, Algeria, Libya, Mauritania,  Morocco, Benin and many others.

So far countries that have won medals in the top ten medal table and has still retained their position in the top five are Egypt with (187) medals, Nigeria with (121) medals, South Africa with (106), Algeria with (114) and Ghana (86). 

Fortunately, Ghana has been able to jump to the sixth position with 68 medals, but could not make it to the top five whiles countries like Mauritius, Eritrea, Morocco and Ethiopia battles for positions on the top 10 medal chart.

Ghana showcased it significance in culture, arts and music. Musicians such as King Promise, Kamo Mphela, Stoneybwoy, Wiyaala among other artistes graced the event with their captivating performances.

The final day ended with events such as Women's half marathon, Men's football, 800- metres (women) and 4x100 metres (men) relay, with both men ad women relay at the University of Ghana staduim. 

The event which officially ended on March 23, 2024 has highlighted Ghana's capabilities and celebrated African unity in sporting activities.

Writer's Email: 1mensahgloria@gmail.com