24th African Senior Athletics Championships Opens in Grand Style at University of Ghana Stadium

Ghana made a remarkable start to the 24th African Senior Athletics Championships with a colourful opening ceremony that celebrated African unity, culture and sporting excellence at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium.

The ceremony featured energetic musical performances, captivating choreography and rich cultural displays that highlighted Ghana’s heritage while projecting a modern and progressive image of the country.

Dignitaries, athletes and spectators from across the continent were treated to performances that blended tradition with creativity as organisers sought to showcase Ghana’s cultural identity and hospitality.

Delivering remarks on behalf of the President of Ghana, Julius Debrah described sports as a powerful tool for promoting national pride, youth empowerment and African unity.

He urged African countries to continue investing in sports infrastructure, coaching, talent development and sports science to help young athletes thrive.

Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, welcomed athletes and fans to Ghana, describing the championship as a gathering of the African family.

He stressed the need to include sports in Africa’s integration agenda, noting that sports often succeed in uniting people in ways politics and economics sometimes cannot.

Mr. Adams also encouraged visitors to explore Ghanaian culture and build lasting relationships beyond the competition itself.

President of World Athletics, Sebastian Coe, praised Ghana for hosting the championship for the first time and expressed confidence that Accra would provide an excellent platform for athletes over the six-day competition.

Athletes from various African countries participated in a colourful parade of nations, receiving loud cheers from spectators at the stadium.

The event was further electrified by performances from Stonebwoy, Edem, Afronita and the Afro Star Kids.

Other dignitaries present included Tuwei Jackson and Richard Akpokavie.

With the official opening now concluded, attention shifts to the competition itself as athletes battle for honours in what is expected to be one of the most memorable editions of the championship.