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Tag: Africa GAmes

  • African Games volunteers gets confrontational with police over unpaid allowances

    African Games volunteers gets confrontational with police over unpaid allowances

    An incident occurred at the University of Ghana involving some volunteers who participated in the recently concluded 2023 African Games and personnel from the Ghana Police Service.

    Tensions arose when the police officers attempted to evacuate the volunteers from the Pentagon hostel after the conclusion of the games.

    The volunteers, who had provided their services to ensure the smooth running of the event, insisted on receiving their allowances before leaving the hostel to return home.

    However, their demands were met with resistance as police officers were deployed to remove them from the premises. What started as an attempt to resolve the situation peacefully quickly turned into a confrontation as the volunteers adamantly refused to vacate the hostel.

    According to witnesses, amidst the commotion, a police officer fired a shot in an effort to disperse the crowd. Instead of dispersing, the volunteers reacted by advancing towards the officer.

    The incident involved over one thousand volunteers who had been hired by the government to assist with the organization of the 2023 African Games, which took place in Accra from March 3 to March 23, 2024.

  • Dan Kwaku Yeboah commends Akufo-Addo for his role in hosting the 13th African Games

    Dan Kwaku Yeboah commends Akufo-Addo for his role in hosting the 13th African Games

    Dan Kwaku Yeboah, the spokesperson of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the 13th African Games, highlighted President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s crucial role in the tournament’s hosting during an interview on Peace FM’s Kokrokoo program on Monday, March 25, 2024.

    Yeboah recounted a challenging period when the LOC members considered giving up on hosting the event. In numerous meetings, they discussed the possibility of relinquishing their hosting duties and transferring them to another country.

    The decision to contemplate stepping down stemmed from several factors, including disagreements between the African Union (AU), the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA), and the Association of African Sports Confederations (AASC). Additionally, securing funds for constructing the necessary facilities posed a significant challenge.

    However, Yeboah revealed that President Akufo-Addo intervened during one of their meetings, urging them not to give up. He assured the LOC members that he would ensure Ghana successfully hosted Africa’s largest sporting event.

    โ€œPresident Akufo-Addo deserves special commendations for his efforts at helping stage this tournament. Aside from the fact that it was held under his government, he was instrumental in hosting it.

    โ€œThere came a time when we (LOC members) wanted to give up but he urged us to soldier on. At the time, it was difficult getting money and the AU-ANOCCA impasse was ongoing so we thought we should just stop the hosting but President Akufo-Addo maintained that Ghana was going to host and motivated us not to give up. He has shown that heโ€™s a good leader,โ€ he said.

    From March 8 to March 23, 2024, Ghana hosted the 13th African Games, utilising new facilities such as the Borteyman Sports Complex and the University of Ghana Sports Stadium for various events.

    Despite a rough start marked by controversies involving power outages, vehicle shortages, and equipment challenges, the tournament gained momentum in its later stages. The atmosphere was vibrant, culminating in a colourful closing ceremony that capped off what can be deemed a relatively successful event.

    Ghana’s performance in the competition was commendable, securing a sixth-place finish with a record-breaking haul of 67 medals.

  • African Games: Shatta Wale, King Promise will feature performances at opening ceremony

    African Games: Shatta Wale, King Promise will feature performances at opening ceremony

    Ghanaian music sensations, Shatta Wale and King Promise, are poised to captivate audiences at the opening ceremony of the 13th edition of the African Games, dubbed ‘Accra 2023’.

    This eagerly awaited event is scheduled to unfold at the newly erected University of Ghana Sports Stadium on Friday, March 8, 2024. Joining them on stage will be acclaimed artists such as Pat Thomas, Ebo Taylor, and Kamo Mphela.

    The African Games, hosted in Ghana, serve as a vibrant platform, bringing together athletes, officials, and spectators from across the continent to celebrate Africa’s rich cultural heritage and sporting talent.

    Notable attendees anticipated at the ceremony include Ghana’s President, Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo, and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, among others.

    Running from March 8th to 23rd, 2024, the 13th African Games in Ghana promise to showcase the prowess and diversity of Africa’s sporting landscape, with over 13,000 elite athletes, sports experts, technicians, officials, and volunteers set to partake in this grand celebration.