President Akufo-Addo has directed the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the African Games (Accra 2023) to ensure a remarkable edition of the competition, the most significant in its 57-year history.
During the official inauguration of the Borteyman Sports Complex, one of the primary venues for the Games scheduled between March 8 and 23, 2024, the President urged the LOC to spare no effort in providing unparalleled hospitality to the anticipated 8,000 visitors, including athletes, officials, journalists, and fans.
The Borteyman Sports Complex will host seven competitive sports, including table tennis, handball, tennis, volleyball, swimming, badminton, and the triathlon. Notably, four of these events will double as qualifiers for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France.
Key features of the Borteyman facilities include a 1,000-seater capacity swimming pool with a 10-lane competition pool and an eight-lane warm-up pool. Additionally, there’s a multi-purpose Sports Hall seating 1,000 spectators for events such as basketball, badminton, netball, table tennis, and weightlifting. A 500-seater temporary dome will host handball, volleyball, judo, karate, taekwondo, and other events, along with a five-tennis court complex, including a 1,000-seater Centre Court.
President Akufo-Addo highlighted a hybrid approach, combining existing facilities with completed projects like the University of Ghana Stadium and the Borteyman Complex to ensure readiness for the Games. Despite initial skepticism, he expressed pride in the Borteyman Complex, seeing it as a lasting legacy and proof of Ghana’s readiness to host the continent.
He cited ongoing renovations of stadia in Accra, Cape Coast, and Kumasi, and the construction of 10 regional stadia, six of which are complete. Additionally, plans for 100 new astroturfs this year, with 150 already constructed during his Presidency, were revealed.
Minister of Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, commended the consultant and contractor for the swift completion of the Borteyman facility. He envisioned it as a centre for sports excellence, serving as a legacy for future generations, and expressed hope for its sustained maintenance.
“The African Games will foster unity among Africans and celebrate the beauty of our diverse culture,” he remarked.