Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has commissioned the University of Ghana stadium, known as Legon Stadium. The 11,000-capacity arena, completed to host the upcoming 13th African Games, Accra 2023, was unveiled today March 1 as Ghana finalized preparations for the Games’ opening on March 3.
At the commissioning ceremony, Vice President Bawumia remarked, “The history of the African Games intertwines with the continent’s narrative. As a founding member, the Great Pan African and First President of Ghana, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, imbued the Games with the spirit of Africa and Pan Africanism.”
He continued, “Our theme for this edition, ‘Experience the African Dream,’ embodies the values of unity, independence, political and economic cooperation, alongside historical and cultural awareness.”
Asserting the potential of an African Renaissance, Vice President Bawumia emphasized the continent’s capacity to shape global geopolitics and economics. He stressed the necessity of concerted efforts, especially in leadership, to translate this potential into prosperity.
Quoting the United Nations, he highlighted sports as a potent tool for sustainable socio-economic development, aligning with Ghana’s readiness to host the world. He lauded President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s decision to bid for and secure Ghana’s hosting rights, resulting in the construction of world-class sporting facilities such as the University of Ghana Sports Stadium and Rugby Field, as well as the Borteyman Sports Complex.
Concluding his address, Vice President Bawumia acknowledged the challenges faced in constructing these facilities while expressing confidence in their immediate and significant returns.
With over 13,000 elite athletes, sports technocrats, technicians, officials, and volunteers expected to participate, the African Games symbolize a celebration of the continent’s sporting excellence. It fosters an atmosphere of camaraderie, unity, and celebration of Africa’s rich cultural diversity.
