Editorial by Ghanaian Times: Provide enough sports facilities to hone talents

The Ghanaian Times is delighted that the 13th African Games, Accra 2023, which the country hosted from March 8 to 23, 2024, have come to a successful end.

Many would agree that the 16-day event is historic for various reasons.

It recorded no incident that could have taken away its shine; the complaints about the hockey pitch raised by the South Africans were flimsy and so had no effect.

Also, the foreigners who came to the country for the sports festival did not complain of ill-treatment, which means that Ghanaian hospitality has been demonstrated.

It is our hope that the over 5000 athletes and their officials, as well as others like international sports officials and foreign media personnel, can testify to the festival’s billing.

We congratulate all these people on helping to make the festival a success, but special compliments to our medal winners.

Also, we extend heartfelt congratulations to Egypt for earning the right to host the festival for the second time in Cairo, from January 20 to Feb­ruary 7, 2027, having hosted the 1991 Games.

For Ghanaians, it was a great pride that their country should host the games for the first time, with its athletes displaying sterling performances.

The country won 68 medals, comprising 19 gold, 29 silver, and 20 bronze, with the medal haul being described as the largest so far in its history at the prestigious continental event.

The outstanding performance caused President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to extend wholehearted congratulations and gratitude to the country’s team (including the coaches, officials, and support staff), and he did this in a speech he delivered at the official closing ceremony held on Saturday.

A quote from his speech sums it all up, and we reproduce it here: “To each and every member of the Ghanaian team, I commend you for your dedication, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Your excellent achievements have not only brought glory to our nation but have also inspired a new generation of sportspeople across our beloved country. You have showcased the best of Ghana to the world.”

While we join the President in commending those who helped to show the country’s glory on the continental sports platform, we want to take note of the reaffirmation of the government’s commitment to promoting sports as a tool for national development and unity by harnessing its power to build a stronger, healthier, and more prosperous Ghana for generations to come.

We do not want to take this as a mere comment but one that must be made to materialize, and if it will materialise, then preparation for it must start now.

Ghanaians are tired of empty promises, the ineptitude of those in charge of sports development in the country, including the Ghana Football Association, and corruption in the sector.

These must cease forthwith, and the provision of facilities to constantly train athletes should be provided in all districts, while sports at the school, community, and district levels must be enhanced to hone talents in all sports disciplines.