With the continent’s finest track and field stars set to descend on Accra, a technical working group has already begun assembling the Local Organising Committee (LOC) to oversee the successful delivery of the prestigious event.

The President of Ghana Athletics (GA), Bawa Fuseini, revealed to the Daily Graphic that significant progress had been made in planning, although final execution awaits the appointment of a new Minister of Sports and Recreation.

“From the time we returned from Douala to last December, Ghana Athletics, the National Sports Authority (NSA), and the Sports Ministry have held several meetings to plan for the championships,” Mr Bawa said.

“The membership of the LOC is nearly complete. However, given that a new sector minister will soon be appointed, we have paused certain activities until the substantive minister assumes office.”

Venue and facilities

Mr Bawa disclosed that the University of Ghana Athletics Stadium, which served as a key venue during the 13th African Games (Accra 2023), has been earmarked to host the championships.

Additionally, the facilities used during Accra 2023, including accommodation for athletes, will be utilised for Accra 2026.

“An office has been set up at the University of Ghana athletics stadium for the LOC to operate from,” he revealed. “Once the LOC is finalised, they will get to work immediately to ensure we deliver an outstanding championship.”

He explained further that an assessment of technical requirements had already been conducted, and any necessary re-training for personnel would be arranged. “

We’ve learned valuable lessons from the challenges encountered during preparations for the 2023 African Games and are determined to be fully prepared for this event.”

Ghana’s athletics chief expressed optimism about the country’s ability to host a world-class competition, emphasising the country’s determination to build on the success of the 2023 African Games.

“All 54 African countries will participate. The 2023 African Games helped Ghana win the bid to host the African Athletics Championships, and we are committed to maintaining those high standards while delivering the best championship yet,” Mr Bawa said confidently.

Hosting rights

Ghana was awarded hosting rights for the 2026 African Athletics Championships in June 2024, following a closely contested bid against Botswana.

The decision was made by the Executive Council of the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) during its meeting on the sidelines of the 2024 African Athletics Championships in Douala, Cameroon.

The council, comprising the CAA President, six vice presidents representing Africa’s regional zones, and the chairperson of the Athletes’ Commission, selected Ghana as the host nation.