Africa Games postponed to 2024 as host Ghana strug...

Africa Games postponed to 2024 as host Ghana struggles with preps

Zim Now Writer

The 13th edition of the All-Africa Games, which were scheduled to be held in Accra, Ghana, between August 4-19 have been pushed to next year owing to preparation delays and economic challenges.

The organising committee has said building delays, coupled with Ghana's economic crisis, has led to the African Games being postponed until next year.

According to reports, Ghana has been struggling to prepare the necessary hosting facilities for the event, which will share three host cities in Accra, Kumasi and Cape Coast.

Construction works at the Borteyman Sports Complex, earmarked to host the swimming, boxing and indoor sporting events, are behind schedule and organisers were also facing a race against time to complete the University of Ghana Stadium.

Works on the Athletes' Village have also faced complications due to the University of Ghana academic calendar, with the continuous presence of students at the Diaspora Halls making it difficult for refurbishment works to progress at the required pace.

While former Ghana President John Mahama has recommended cancellation of the event, Kweku Ofosu Asare Ofosu Asare, deputy chief operating officer of the Local Organising Committee has argued it will cost Ghana just as much not to host the Games as it will to stage them.

According to the organising committee, a new date will be announced soon, following the resolution of the crises between the African Union (AU) the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa and the Association of African Sports Confederations.

“The Games had faced disruption because of a disagreement between African sporting confederations and the AU over marketing rights.

“But the issue was reportedly resolved in amicable fashion at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa following a meeting facilitated by Ghana’s President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

“A new protocol agreement was also signed on the side-lines of the AU Heads of States Summit in the Ethiopian capital,” sources revealed.