Lord Sebastian Cole, President of World Athletics, has congratulated African countries for their athletes’ performance in recent international events.
He tasked them to make the right decisions to host some major international events.
He is in Ghana for the 24th African Seniors Athletics Championships, which will involve high-class ‘elite’ athletes on the continent.
On Sunday, May 10, the Executive body of CAA met with Lord Sabestian Cole at the African Regency Hotel to deliberate on technical issues for the upcoming championship to be contested by 54 countries.
Sports and Recreation Minister Hon. Kofi Adams, in an address, said Africa is ready to host the world championship if given the opportunity.
“Africa is ready to host. As Botswana did with the 2926 World Relays, Ghana will stand with any African country ready to host world championships. Let’s work hard to improve facilities,” he said.
According to Hon. Adams, African countries are doing well in building modern sports infrastructure and displaying high performance on the track and fields.
He added that Africa will continue to request capacity building, on the promise to work together as a team.
He expressed that Athletics or Track and field is different from other sports disciplines.
He also hinted that Ghana is trying to do well in funding sports by establishing a Sports Fund to support sportsmen and women. As well as equipment and facilities.
He hailed the President of Ghana Athletics, Fuseni Bawa, for a bold decision to host the championship.
Kofi Adams asked World Athletics to consider African bids to host world-class events.
The vice president of CAA, Tuwei Jackson, urged Africa to speak with one voice to improve African athletes.
“We are one in collectively building our infrastructure,” he stressed.
Other speakers were the president of the Ghana Olympic Committee, Richard Akpokavie Esq, and Prof. Awuah, Board chairman of the National Sports Authority.
The African Athletics Championship starts on Tuesday, 12th May to 17th May at the University of Ghana, Legon. This is the first time Ghana is hosting the prestigious championship that attracts elite athletes in Africa.
By Sammy Heywood Okine
