The Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr. Ussif Mustapha, has revealed that government has allocated $154 million for the reconstruction of the Legon Sports Stadium and other sports facilities, including a world-class rugby park, swimming pool, and athletics oval.These upgraded facilities are set to be utilized for the 13th Africa Games, which will be held in Ghana next year.Mr. Mustapha expressed his satisfaction with the progress of the facilities during the Meet-the-Press series organized by the Ministry of Information in Accra.He emphasized that the quality of these sporting venues will not only make Ghana an excellent host for the African Games in 2023 but also position Accra as a major sports hub in West Africa and beyond.“Facilities for the 13th African Games are almost complete for the Games in March next year. The quality of these facilities will open Ghana up to host other continen¬tal and world championships.”Furthermore, the Minister stated that after the Games, the facilities will be transformed into a University for Sports Development, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.“This is the first time Ghana is hosting the Games since 1965; we are certain that we would host the best Games on the continent,” he stressed.The collaboration between the Ghanaian government, the African Union (AU), and other stakeholders has been instrumental in ensuring the success of the Games in March 2024.Dr. Kwaku Ofosu Asare and the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) received commendations from Mr. Mustapha for their dedication and hard work towards organizing the event.Mr. Mustapha urged athletes and officials to prepare diligently for the Games and strive for a historic medal haul to justify the substantial investment in sports infrastructure.The Minister also highlighted the government’s commitment to promoting
sports development nationwide.Ghana currently boasts 136 astro-turfs across the country, fostering juvenile and school sports. FIFA’s contribution of 30,000 footballs to be distributed to schools, along with the Ministry’s launch of the 1,000,000 football strategy, further exemplify the commitment to
football growth.The presence of the AU Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs, and
Social Development, Minata Samate Cessouma, at the conference emphasized the
significance of the facilities for the continent.She praised the initiatives that promote sports in Africa and called for member states to collaborate with Ghana in organizing the African Games in 2024, as it holds the potential to be a substantial revenue source for both the country and the entire continent.
