Ghana prepares for 2023 Africa Games with athlete selection process underway

Ghana is gearing up for the 2023 Africa Games, scheduled to take place in Accra in March 2024, with the country yet to finalize its team selection, according to Mr. Ernest Danso, the Chef de Mission (CDM) for Team Ghana.

Speaking at the opening of the maiden Sports Investment Summit and Awards in Ho, Mr. Danso outlined the country's plan to hold a ‘justify your inclusion' event in 22 sporting disciplines. This initiative aims to select the best athletes who will proudly represent Ghana in the continental multisport event.

“Ghana will soon hold ‘justify your inclusion' in about 22 sporting disciplines to select athletes to represent the country in the Games scheduled to take place in Accra, Ghana in March 2024,” Mr. Danso stated during the summit.

He emphasized that the selection process would be based on merit, ensuring that athletes from all regions, including the Volta Region, have an equal opportunity to showcase their talents on the international stage.

Ghana secured the bid to host the 13th edition of the Africa Games in 2018. Originally slated for this year, the event was postponed to 2024 due to the country's unpreparedness. Despite having just two months until the Olympic qualifying event, Ghana is yet to finalize the size of its team.

Mr. Danso reassured that the team selection process would prioritize merit, and athletes from the Volta Region would receive fair consideration.

Dr. Kwaku Ofosu-Asare, heading the Local Organising Committee, emphasized the overarching goal of positioning Ghana as one of the top five sporting nations in Africa through hosting the Games. Additionally, the focus is on developing the capacities of Ghanaian athletes to compete at the highest international sports levels.

The 13th Africa Games are scheduled to be held in Accra from March 8-23, 2024, across various venues, including the Borteyman Multisport Complex, University of Ghana, Achimota Cricket Oval, and Theodosia Okoh Hockey Stadium.

Disciplines such as Athletics, Badminton, Cycling, Swimming, Table Tennis, Tennis, Triathlon, and Wrestling will serve as Olympic qualifiers. Demonstrative sports include E-Sports, Mixed Martial Arts, Pickleball, Sambo, Scrabble, Speedball, and Teqball.

The Games will also feature competitive but non-Olympic qualifier sports such as Armwrestling, Basketball (3×3), Beach Volleyball, Boxing, Chess, Cricket, Football, Handball, Judo, Karate-Do, Rugby, Taekwondo, Volleyball, and Weightlifting.