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The 2026 African Athletics Championships officially begins today, Tuesday, May 12, with a packed schedule of track and field competitions expected to deliver an exciting opening day at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium.
Among the headline events for Day One are the men’s 100 metres heats and semi-finals, the women’s 100 metres semi-finals, as well as the men’s and women’s 400 metres races.
Athletes will also compete in the men’s 800 metres, while field events such as the women’s discus and shot put finals are also scheduled.
Host nation Ghana will field about 17 athletes across various disciplines as the country looks to impress on home soil.
Leading Team Ghana is Abdul-Rashid Saminu, currently regarded as Ghana’s fastest man, who will compete in the men’s 100 metres alongside Joseph Paul Amoah and Edwin Gadayi.
The opening day is also expected to showcase emerging young talents, especially athletes from senior high schools.
One of the notable names is Portia Nkrumah of Sammo Senior High School, who recently emerged as the overall best female athlete during the 2025 Ashanti Regional Super Zonal Athletics competition.
Several other student athletes from schools in Kumasi are also expected to participate as Ghana continues efforts to develop future athletics stars.
Organisers are anticipating large crowds and an energetic atmosphere as fans gather to witness Africa’s top athletes compete in the continental championship.
The competition will run until Saturday, May 17, with more than 1,500 athletes and 500 officials from about 54 countries participating in events across 44 disciplines.
