Mr. Isaac Kwame Asiamah, Minister of Youth and Sports opened the three-day congress, which is schedfuled to end on Saturday, April 6.

The congress, which forms part of the 50th anniversary celebration of the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG), would seek to discuss sports development in Africa and other topics bothering on "When Will Africa Be Ready to Win The FIFA World Cup, How Bold is Africa’s Gold Chase at Tokyo 2020, Africa Games and the future and The New Sports Journalism in Africa – Finding The Right Mix”.

Mr. Kwabena Yeboah, President of SWAG in a brief remarks, noted that it had always been the desire of SWAG to host the AIPS Congress, for the first time but had to shelve it to coincide with its 50th anniversary.

He said sports was a common tool that unites people and AIPS being a body seeking to unite sports journalist in Africa, there was the need for this congress to deliberate on the issues that can help develop and grow as a people in sports.

The ace sports writer, who used the occasion to congratulate Mr. Isaac Kwame Asiamah, Minister for Youth and Sports for his role in sports development in Ghana also lauded the sports ministry for their support in making the congress a success.

Mr. Mitchell Obi, President for AIPS giving his remarks at the congress said, the association hands over the years made its mark in sports reportage, and getting close to its 100th year, it would be great to spread the message that AIPS brings, which is excellence, good followers, leadership and governance that improve the people.

According to him, the congress was going to be a befitting one, with many sporting deliberations that would see the continent grow from strength to strength and as AIPS family was spreading wide, there was the need to commend all members that have held on to the very beliefs of the body till date.

Mr. Ben Nunoo-Mensah, Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) president, who also gave a brief remark, congratulated SWAG for hosting the congress noted that “It was always a joy when bodies take on a huge challenge to host such a congress in Ghana.

“It has not always been easy but they have been equal to the task, Ghanaians value and cherish how SWAG has brought Ghana’s sports, where they have inspired many federations and bodies as well as athletes.

“SWAG is a valued body in sports, with its awards scheme each year with such an integrity attached to it, they have lifted Ghana sports by recognizing athletes and with the success they have achieved I am not surprised they put this congress together,” he added.

The 6^th AIPS Africa Congress was also used to officially open the Second AIPS Sports Media Awards, which aims at rewarding hard working sports men and women across Africa in the seniors and juniors categories.