Accra Senior Athletics Championships launched in Accra

Ghana has officially launched the 2026 African Senior Athletics Championships, taking a major step forward in its preparations to host one of the continent’s most prestigious sporting events.

The championship is scheduled to run from May 12 to May 17, 2026, at the University of Ghana Stadium, with top-tier athletes from across Africa expected to compete.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, Ghana’s Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Iddie Adams, emphasised the event’s significance beyond athletics, describing it as a potential catalyst for national development.

“Athletics remains a sport that can galvanise our nation and drive development if we make the right investments,” he said.

The Minister also drew attention to infrastructure challenges, noting that several regions lack proper training facilities. “It is not right that some regions in Ghana do not have proper tracks for our budding athletes to train on,” he stated.

Adams highlighted the importance of the championships as a source of inspiration for young Ghanaian athletes. “Accra 2026 must provide a platform for our young athletes to see what is possible. That is why we must create opportunities for them to witness what the senior athletes are doing. It will serve as a source of motivation,” he added.

This year’s edition marks the first time Ghana will host the African Senior Athletics Championships, offering the country an opportunity to demonstrate its capability to stage major international competitions.

Organisers expressed optimism that beyond the event itself, the championships would leave a lasting legacy by inspiring the next generation of athletes and accelerating the growth of athletics across Ghana.