Dr. Kwaku Ofosu-Asare, the Executive Chairman of the Local Organising Committee for the 13th African Games, has revealed that the Games will still be dubbed Accra 2023 despite the new 2024 date.

On Tuesday, February 28, 2023, the Local Organising Committee for the 13th African Games collaborated with stakeholders, including the African Union (AU), the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA), and the Association of African Sports Confederations (AASC) to announce a new date for hosting the Games in the West African nation.

According to the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Coordinator Dr. Decius H. Chipande, the new date for the opening ceremony of the Games will be on the 8th of March 2024 with the closing ceremony slated for the 23rd of March 2024.

Meanwhile, the announcement of the new date came after the team inspected the various facilities which will be used to host the Games and held important meetings with all the key stakeholders.

Speaking to the press, Dr. Ofosu-Asare disclosed that the tag for the Games will remain Accra 2023.

“The Games will still remain ‘Accra 2023’ despite the new date in 2024. We have the example of Tokyo 2020. A lot of discussions went into this and we have agreed to retain Accra 2023,” he said.

accra2023ag.com

On February 27, 2023, the Local Organizing Committee for the 13th African Games collaborated with stakeholders, including the African Union (AU), the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA), and the Association of African Sports Confederations (AASC), as well as the National Sports Federations, to conduct facility inspections. The purpose of the inspections was to evaluate the readiness and completion date of the facilities, which is a critical aspect of the consultation process to determine a new date for the 13th African Games to be held in Accra in 2023.

The delegation initiated the facility visit at the Borteyman sports complex, where the contractor on site presented the project and the progress of work achieved so far, taking them through the inspection process. The team continued the inspection at the University of Ghana sports stadium and the rugby field, followed by the games village. The Achimota cricket Oval, the Bukom Trust Sports Emporium, the Theodosia Okoh hockey pitch, and the Accra Sports Stadium were among the other facilities inspected.

The National Federations provided guidance on the technical requirements and logistics necessary for the facilities to meet international standards. The delegation from the AU, ANOCA and AASC was content with the level of construction and the completion date.

accra2023ag.com

African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Coordinator Dr. Decius H. Chipande says the African Games’ governing body has been impressed with Ghana’s level of investment into hosting the 13th African Games.

On Tuesday, February 28, 2023, the Local Organising Committee for the 13th African Games collaborated with stakeholders, including the African Union (AU), the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA), and the Association of African Sports Confederations (AASC) to announce a new date for hosting the Games in the West African nation.

According to Dr. Chipande, the new date for the opening ceremony of the Games will be on the 8th of March 2024 with the closing ceremony slated for the 23rd of March 2024.

The announcement came after the team inspected the various facilities which will be used to host the Games.

Addressing the press at the event, the renowned Zambia administrator hailed the efforts of the Government of the Republic of Ghana to host the Games.

Watch a short video of Dr. Chipande lauding the Ghanaian government’s commitment to hosting the Games.

accra2023ag.com

GOC President Ben Nunoo Mensah today led a high level delegation of mourners, sympathisers and sports emissaries to the family residence of Christian Atsu Twassam in Accra.

Among them were Jamaican track legend Asafa Powell and his wife Alyshia, former Youth and Sports Minister Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, board members and Communications Director of the GOC, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah and his Deputy Sammy Heywood Okine aka General One.

A number of Sports Federation Heads were present such as the President of Ghana Fencing Mohamed Mahadi who is also second Vice President of the GOC, President of the Ghana Swimming Association, Mr. Delphina Quaye, Emmanuel Asare, President of the Cricket Association, Rev. E. D. Nikoi, President of the Netball Association and Alhaji Abdul Hayye Yartey President of the Ghana Bodybuilding and Fitness Association who happens to be the manager of the deceased.

Also present were former national athlete Emmanuel Tuffour aka 'Koora' who is a board member of the National Sports Authority and some media personalities.

The Powell's signed Book of Condolence and expressed their sadness at the untimely demise of such a talented sports Ambassador for Ghana.

Members of the Die Hard Supporters Union led by their founder and President Abraham Nkansah aka Apirugu Chakapama were also present.

Source GOC Communications

The Best FIFA Football Awards 2022 ceremony, held in Paris on Monday, 27 February, crowned Alexia Putellas and Lionel Messi as the outstanding players of the past year, alongside recognising the outstanding performances of coaches, goalkeepers and more across the men’s and women’s game.

The winners of The Best FIFA Football Awards 2022:

The Best FIFA Women's Player: Alexia Putellas (Spain/FC Barcelona Femení)

The Best FIFA Men's Player: Lionel Messi (Argentina/Paris Saint-Germain FC)

The Best FIFA Women's Goalkeeper: Mary Earps (England/Manchester United WFC)

The Best FIFA Men's Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martínez (Argentina/Aston Villa FC)

The Best FIFA Women's Coach: Sarina Wiegman (England Women’s National Team)

The Best FIFA Men's Coach: Lionel Scaloni (Argentina Men’s National Team)

The FIFA Puskás Award: Marcin Oleksy (Poland/Warta Poznań)

The FIFA Fair Play Award: Luka Lochoshvili (Georgia/Wolfsberger AC/U.S. Cremonese)

The FIFA Fan Award: Argentinian Fans

Footballing legend and global icon Lionel Messi took home the award for The Best FIFA Men’s Player following Argentina’s historic FIFA World Cup 2022 victory in December, inspired by the Paris Saint-Germain FC forward.

FC Barcelona Femení’s Spanish midfielder Alexia Putellas was recognised as The Best FIFA Women’s Player for the second year in a row after a successful year which saw her club win a third successive league title.

Mary Earps was voted The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper after a year in which she lifted the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 with the Lionesses. Argentina shot-stopper Emiliano Martínez got his hands on The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper prize following his outstanding performances throughout FIFA World Cup 2022.

The English national team’s manager Sarina Wiegman won The Best FIFA Women’s Coach after leading the Lionesses to European glory and her second successive UEFA EURO title, while Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni added The Best FIFA Men’s Coach to his trophy cabinet, alongside the FIFA World Cup trophy.

The Best FIFA Football Awards ceremony also recognised the standout goal of the year as Marcin Oleksy won The FIFA Puskás Award for his impressive finish. Georgian player Luka Lochoshvili picked up The FIFA Fair Play Award in recognition of his exemplary reaction whilst playing for Wolfsberger AC when an opposing player fell unconscious on the pitch and Luka rushed to his aid. In addition, Argentinian fans were recognised for their support of the national team during the FIFA World Cup 2022, which saw impressive numbers travel to Qatar and millions of fans then welcomed their winning heroes home to Buenos Aires and across the country.

The winners of The Best player, goalkeeper and coach awards were determined through a voting process in which four groups had an equal say: football fans, selected media representatives and the captains and head coaches of national teams from around the globe.

AIPS

Latifa Ali who has been in the US two years now has broken the Ghana 400 meter indoor record.

According to the GAA, Latifa Ali has demolished the women's indoor 400m national record with a 52.60-second clocking. Latifa eclipsed the old record by a massive 0.79 seconds. The old record of 53.39 seconds was set by Akua Obeng-Akrofi OLY in 2018. Interestingly, both records were set at the same facility in Boston, USA.

She was one of the ladies who took part in the GNPC Ghana's Fastest Human program.

From Reks Brobby

President of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) Mr. Ben Nunoo Mensah has disclosed that the Jamaican Super Star and former world 100 meters record holder, Asafa Powell is in Ghana to inspire the youth who love sports, especially Athletics.

Speaking to the media at the Kotoka International Airport after welcoming Asafa Powell and Alyshia, his Ghanaian wife, the hard working sports administrator and enthusiast said the retired world top sprinter is here to motivate young boys and girls who love to run.

“He is here to motivate the unknown future stars from Bukom, Nima and other places in Ghana who do not have hope because they love Athletics” he expressed.

According to the GOC President, Powell did not start it all rosy, but had to pass through many difficulties before becoming a Legend, and everyone who looks up to him can also make it.

He noted that not everyone can be a footballer or boxer which are the most known sports disciplines in Ghana.

He also said as Ghana prepares to host the African Games which he is a member of the LOC, the visit of Powell will inspire many young athletes.

President of the African Paralympic and Ghana National Paralympic Committee, Mr. Samson Deen who was also at the airport said the arrival of Asafa Powell is very timely as Ghana is planning to host the first African Para Games.

“He will certainly give hope to our athletes, because he is an icon who will inspire our athletes, we whole heartedly welcomes him to Ghana, and believe he will motivate our para athletes” he told Yours Truly.

The visit of Asafa Powell will see him celebrating the Ghana Independence Day on March 6, and meet the President of Ghana, Nana Addo Danquah Akuffo – Addo and the Minister of Youth & Sports, Hon. Mustapha Ussif as well as the Chief Imam, executive board members of the Ghana Olympic Committee and the Ghana Athletics.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Jamaican sprinter, Asafa Powell arrived in Accra, Ghana to a massive and rousing welcome at the Kotoka International Airport after landing from a long KLM flight on Monday evening.

Among the dignitaries who welcomes him and his Ghanaian born wife, Alyshia were the President of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) Mr. Ben Nunoo Mensah, President of the African Paralympic Committee (APC) / Ghana National Paralympic Committee (NPC) Mr, Samson Deen, President of the Ghana Swimming Association Mrs Delphina Quaye, National Sports Authority board member Emmanuel Tufour aka ‘Koraa’, Mr. Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, Director of the GOC Communications Committee and his deputies.

The ever present Ghana Sports Supporters Union led by Mr. Abraham Nkansah aka ‘Apirigu Chakapama’ were also there to provide music and entertainment.

The Ghanaian Sports Media led by GTV and Imax Media were also well represented.

The 40 year old retired former world 100 meters record holder  from Linstead Jamaica danced to the music provided by the sports fans, before interacting with journalists,some who had been waiting two hours before the arrival.

Powell said though the flight was long, he was very happy to see his roots and where his wife was born and raised.

Alyshia said they had been planning to visit the motherland for a long time and she was glad that they made the historic trip which will coincide with the Independence Day of Ghana.

She expressed that the trip would allow Asafa to connect with Ghana on both professional and personal basis.

The trip which is a tourism boaster and strengthen relations between Ghana and Jamaica will afford Asafa to meet the President of Ghana, Nana Akuffo Addo, the Sports Minister Hon. Mustapha Ussif, the executive board of the Ghana Olympic Committee,  Ghana Athletics officials, the national Chief Imam and children.

Powell will also visit the ancient town, Cape Coast to trace his ancestral roots as well as meet the vibrant Ghana Sports Media.

GOC President, Mr Ben Nunoo Mensah applauded corporate Ghana supporting the visit, such as Accra City Hotel, Goil, GNPC, Indomie and Rush Energy Drink.

Other sponsors of "Asafa Powell in Ghana" are Twellium Industrial Ltd, iMAX Media and the Crown-West Hills.

Powell ran  9.77 seconds on June 14, 2005 in the 100 make a world record. He held the mark until Usain Bolt broke it on May 31, 2008.

Asafa is known to be the fastest man in history to have missed out on an Olympic and world 100 metres title through injury or other factors.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has revealed the details for the upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations doubleheader qualifier between Angola and Ghana.

The first match is set to take place on Thursday, March 23, 2023, at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, where the Black Stars will host the Palancas Negras. The reverse fixture will take place on Monday, March 27, 2023, at Estadio 11 de Novembro, with kick-off scheduled for 17:00.

Ghana's national football team, the Black Stars, are currently at the top of Group E with four points. They secured a 3-0 win over Madagascar and drew 1-1 with the Central African Republic in their previous games.

These two matches against Angola will serve as the first real test for Chris Hughton, who has been recently appointed as the new coach for the Black Stars.

The Baba Yara Sports Stadium, located in Kumasi, is known for its passionate and enthusiastic home crowd. It has a seating capacity of 40,528 and has hosted many significant international games in the past. The Estadio 11 de Novembro in Luanda, Angola, is also a well-known stadium and is the national stadium of Angola. With a seating capacity of 50,000, it is expected to provide an exciting atmosphere for the upcoming game.

Both teams will be looking to secure victories in two games, which could potentially help them secure their spot in the 2023 AFCON tournament. The upcoming matches between Angola and Ghana promise to be an exciting affair for football fans across the continent.

Ghanasoccernet

The 2023 African Games, which were supposed to be held from August 4 to August 19, 2023 in Accra, Ghana have been postponed to 2024.

As a consequence, there won't be a competition at the continental level for African senior athletes in 2023.

The brand name ACCRA 2023 will be maintained.

Meanwhile, General Ahmed Nasser has held a meeting with National Federation Heads for the upcoming Accra 2023 African Games. The meeting discussed logistics and facilities needed for the Games. Let's come together to support this dream!

By Sammy Heywood Okine