Many were thrown into doubt before the commencement of the 13th African Games in Ghana due to several times of postponement. The Games were initially planned to be held in August 2023, however, a failure to complete facilities on time and arguments over marketing revenue resulted in the Games being delayed to March 2024.
Following the commissioning of the Borteyman Sports Complex by Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the President of Ghana, on Tuesday, February 13 as well as Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the Vice President of the Republic, commissioning the University of Ghana Sports Stadium Complex on Friday, March 1, there was a clear indication that Ghana is now ready for the Games.
On Friday, March 8, fans from all walks of life were gee whiz following a spectacular opening ceremony at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium.
The colourful opening ceremony featured sports officials, athletes, spectators, representing their countries.
Team Ghana excelled.
It was a mission well accomplished for Team Ghana as they claimed 68 medals in total, Ghana’s best in the history of the competition. Team Ghana finished 6th in the final medal table.
Medal breakdown
Arm wresting was the “medal cow” for Ghana as they chalked 41 medals, comprising 8 Gold, 19 Silver, and 14 Bronze.
Boxing gave team Ghana 7 medals: 4 Gold, 1 Silver and 2 Bronze.
Below are the medals Ghana won:
After 16 days of great performances from sportsmen and women across the continent, the curtains were drawn on Saturday, March 23. One could not have asked for a better African Games tournament as curtains were drawn down in style with a spectacular closing ceremony at the University of Ghana.
Ghana won in multiple folds aside the record-breaking medals won. Ghana also wrote her name in the sports folklore as one of the best to have ever hosted the Games.
Ghana has also invested in modern sporting facilities which could lead to her hosting other top international competitions. It will also serve as an avenue where new talents could be made to compete for Ghana in the future games.
By Isaac Ansah Apagya
