Akufo-Addo commissions Borteyman sports complex ahead of 13th African Games in March

President Akufo-Addo has officially commissioned the Borteyman Sports Complex, the facility that would host some sporting disciplines for the 13th African Games.

The African Games starts from 8 to 23 March 2024.

The Borteyman sports complex has a 1,000-seater capacity swimming pool, comprising a 10-lane competition swimming pool and an eight-lane warm-up swimming pool, alongside a multi-purpose Sports Hall with a 1,000 seater capacity for various events such as basketball, badminton, netball, table tennis, and weightlifting.

Additionally, there is a 500-seater temporary dome for handball, volleyball, judo, karate, taekwondo, fencing, arm-wrestling, and a five-tennis court complex, including a 1,000-seater Centre Court.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony held at the forecourt of the sports complex Tuesday (13 February), President Akufo-Addo said Ghana is ready and capable of hosting Africa for the biggest sporting event on the continent.

“It has been a long journey for us, which has been characterised by uncertainties following the unexpected effect of the COVID 19 pandemic on our infrastructure development plans, and general preparation. However, we demonstrated commitment and resilience.”

“And when all hope appeared lost, we came up with a brilliant idea of adopting a hybrid approach to hosting the game, thus using facilities at the University of Ghana, which were under construction, as well as selected facilities we could develop on time here in Borteyman.”

“This decision to adopt the hybrid method has proved to be a wise one, as facilities, both at the University of Ghana and here in Borteyman are ready for the hosting of the 13th edition of the Africa Games.”

“Despite loud calls, by some pessimists for our nation to withdraw from hosting the tournament, we remained resolute and today, our country can be proud of the massive sporting infrastructure we’re putting in place for the games. It will be a huge legacy for the country. “

Minister for Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, in his brief remarks, said it “is my hope that the facility will be graciously maintained and sustained to continue to keep the international standard for continuous development of our sportsmen and women as well as potential athletes.”

About 49 confirmed African countries are taking part in the 13th African Games, with over 3,500 elite athletes and officials participating. Additionally, over 3,000 technical officials and journalists will also be in the capital of Ghana for the multisport event.

With 23 competitive sporting events lined up for the competition, four of these events—table tennis, tennis, triathlon, and badminton—will double as qualifiers for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France.

Reporting by Princeton Wiredu in Accra

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