Dan Kwaku Yeboah, the spokesperson of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the 13th African Games, highlighted President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s crucial role in the tournament’s hosting during an interview on Peace FM’s Kokrokoo program on Monday, March 25, 2024.
Yeboah recounted a challenging period when the LOC members considered giving up on hosting the event. In numerous meetings, they discussed the possibility of relinquishing their hosting duties and transferring them to another country.
The decision to contemplate stepping down stemmed from several factors, including disagreements between the African Union (AU), the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA), and the Association of African Sports Confederations (AASC). Additionally, securing funds for constructing the necessary facilities posed a significant challenge.
However, Yeboah revealed that President Akufo-Addo intervened during one of their meetings, urging them not to give up. He assured the LOC members that he would ensure Ghana successfully hosted Africa’s largest sporting event.
“President Akufo-Addo deserves special commendations for his efforts at helping stage this tournament. Aside from the fact that it was held under his government, he was instrumental in hosting it.
“There came a time when we (LOC members) wanted to give up but he urged us to soldier on. At the time, it was difficult getting money and the AU-ANOCCA impasse was ongoing so we thought we should just stop the hosting but President Akufo-Addo maintained that Ghana was going to host and motivated us not to give up. He has shown that he’s a good leader,” he said.
From March 8 to March 23, 2024, Ghana hosted the 13th African Games, utilising new facilities such as the Borteyman Sports Complex and the University of Ghana Sports Stadium for various events.
Despite a rough start marked by controversies involving power outages, vehicle shortages, and equipment challenges, the tournament gained momentum in its later stages. The atmosphere was vibrant, culminating in a colourful closing ceremony that capped off what can be deemed a relatively successful event.
Ghana’s performance in the competition was commendable, securing a sixth-place finish with a record-breaking haul of 67 medals.