By Francis Ofori, GNA
Accra, May 12, GNA – Mr. Julius Debrah, Chief of Staff, has officially opened the 24th African Senior Athletics Championships in Accra, urging the continent to use the competition to showcase Africa as a symbol of unity and togetherness.
The atmosphere at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium was electric as athletes, officials, and spectators filled the arena with colour, excitement, and national pride, turning the venue into a true celebration of African sport.
From the rhythmic cultural displays to the roar of the crowd, the event set a powerful tone for the championship.
With a star-studded lineup featuring Stonebwoy, Edem and the talented Afro Star Kids Academy, patrons were treated to a breathtaking and unforgettable showpiece that lit up all corners of the venue with excitement and entertainment.
Addressing the guests, Mr. Julius Debrah described athletics as one of the most celebrated sports in the world, stressing that true greatness was earned through discipline, sacrifice, resilience, and an unshakable belief in one’s abilities.
He noted that the championship was not only a showcase of speed and strength, but also a celebration of determination, hard work, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
“From every corner of our continent, young men and women have come together not as strangers but as one African family united by excellence, ambition and sportsmanship,” he added.
He noted that Ghana was proud to host the championship, describing it as a moment of great national pride that would inspire the youth, promote excellence in athletics, and strengthen the enduring bonds of brotherhood and unity across Africa.
The Chief of Staff urged African nations to deliberately invest in sports infrastructure, youth development, coaching, and talent identification to ensure the sustained growth and global competitiveness of athletics on the continent.
He noted that the athletes competing for their respective nations were emerging talents destined for greatness on the global stage, including the Olympic Games.
“Tonight, as the flags of 54 nations fly together, we are reminded why we may come from different countries, we share one common destiny as Africans,” he said.
He urged the athletes to give off their best, strive for excellence, and make their respective nations proud.
Mr. Kofi Iddie Adams, Minister for Sports and Recreation noted that the task before Africans was to build strong and sustainable systems that would enable talents across the continent to compete at the highest level and thrive within Africa.
He noted that athletes across the continent had for years faced challenges travelling for competitions, stressing that addressing such barriers would significantly support their career growth and development.
The Member of Parliament for the Buem Constituency noted that the global sports industry contributed hundreds of billions of dollars to the world economy, underscoring the need for greater investment and attention towards sports development.
Among the dignitaries present at the opening ceremony were Sebastian Coe, President of World Athletics, Mr. Tuwei Jackson, Vice President of the Confederation of Africa Athletics Richard Akpokavie, President of the Ghana Olympic Committee, alongside several other high-profile delegates and distinguished guests.
More than 800 athletes are expected to compete in the 24th African Senior Athletics Championships in Accra.
GNA
Kenneth Odeng Adade