By Stephen Adofo, GNA
Accra, March 26, GNA — Mr Kofi Iddie Adams, the Minister for Sports and Recreation says the government is fully committed to delivering a successful 2026 African Senior Athletics Championships and is working closely with continental and local organisers to ensure smooth preparations.
Speaking at the launch of the event at the Accra Sports Stadium, Mr Adams said Ghana had intensified engagements with the Confederation of African Athletics and the Local Organising Committee ahead of the competition, scheduled for May 12–17, 2026, at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium.
Mr Adams, who is also the Member of Parliament for Buem, said the 2026 championships should serve as a platform to inspire young athletes and deepen mentorship programmes, adding that strong branding and market positioning were needed to attract corporate investment.
“If packaged well, athletics can become commercially attractive through visibility and storytelling. Ghana is ready to host, ready to organise and ready to deliver a championship that reflects the best of our continent,” he said.
The Sports Minister urged corporate institutions to increase investment in school sports to strengthen the foundation of athletics development ahead of the championships.
“Athletics is vibrant in our schools, but many young talents still lack basic support. We should not have a situation where athletes run barefoot without spikes or regions without proper running tracks,” he said.
Mr Adams noted that recent inter-school competitions in Kumasi had highlighted the depth of emerging talent across the country, saying the next generation of athletes was ready if given the right structures.
He added that the establishment of a Ghana Sports Fund would bolster talent development, facilities and long-term sports growth.
Mr Adams described athletics as central to Ghana’s sporting history, paying tribute to past icons including Michael Ahey and Alice Annum, while commending current stars such as Abdul‑Rasheed Saminu, Rose Yeboah, among others for continuing that legacy.
GNA
Kenneth Odeng Adade