24th African Senior Athletics Championships officially got underway in Accra with a colourful opening ceremony that blended sport, culture and entertainment as Ghana welcomed more than 800 athletes from across the continent.
The Julius Debrah declared the championship open at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium, calling on African nations to use the event as a platform to promote unity and celebrate the continent’s shared identity.
He said the competition represented more than athletics, describing it as a symbol of resilience, discipline and African excellence.
“From every corner of our continent, young men and women have come together not as strangers but as one African family united by excellence, ambition and sportsmanship,” he stated.
The opening ceremony transformed the stadium into a vibrant festival of African pride, featuring cultural performances, colourful displays and musical performances from Stonebwoy, Edem and the Afro Star Kids Academy.
Thousands of spectators joined athletes and officials in celebrating what organizers described as one of the biggest sporting events on the continent this year.
Kofi Iddie Adams used the occasion to call for stronger investment in sports development across Africa, stressing the need for better infrastructure, talent development systems and improved travel opportunities for athletes.
He noted that removing barriers faced by African athletes would help unlock greater opportunities for continental sporting success on the global stage.
The event also attracted several high-profile dignitaries, including Sebastian Coe, Tuwei Jackson and Richard Akpokavie.
The championship is expected to feature intense competition over the coming days as athletes battle for continental glory and qualification opportunities for future global events.
