The Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) has held a high-level executive meeting in Accra, bringing together continental athletics leaders and World Athletics President Lord Sebastian Coe to iron out technical arrangements for the 24th African Seniors Athletics Championship.
The crucial meeting, held on Sunday May 10 at the African Regency Hotel, saw top officials deliberate on key issues surrounding the eagerly anticipated championship, which is set to feature elite athletes from all 54 African nations.
The meeting saw the presence of World Athletics President Lord Sebastian Coe, CAA Vice President Tuwei Jackson, Ghana Sports and Recreation Minister Hon. Kofi Adams, Ghana Olympic Committee President Richard Akpokavie Esq., Ghana Athletics President Fuseni Bawa, and National Sports Authority Board Chairman Prof. Awuah, among other top athletics administrators.
Inspired by Lord Coe’s presence and confidence in the continent, Ghana’s Sports and Recreation Minister Hon. Kofi Adams made a bold declaration that Africa is more than ready to host world-class athletics events, pointing to Botswana’s successful hosting of the 2026 World Relays as a benchmark.
“Africa is ready to host. Like Botswana did with the 2026 World Relays, Ghana will stand with any African country ready to host world championships. Let’s work hard to improve upon facilities,” he stated.
The Minister highlighted Africa’s growing investment in modern sports infrastructure and noted the continent’s impressive performances on the track and field. He also revealed that Ghana is in the process of establishing a dedicated Sports Fund to support athletes, equipment and facilities — a significant step in the country’s commitment to sports development.
Hon. Adams used the platform to call on World Athletics to give serious consideration to African bids to host major global events, while also commending Ghana Athletics President Fuseni Bawa for his bold initiative in securing the hosting rights for the championship.
CAA Vice President Tuwei Jackson echoed the call for continental unity, urging African nations to speak with one voice in their collective push to develop athletics infrastructure.
“We are one in collectively building our infrastructure,” he declared.
Richard Akpokavie Esq., President of the Ghana Olympic Committee, and Prof. Awuah, Board Chairman of the National Sports Authority, also addressed the gathering, reinforcing the spirit of collaboration ahead of the championship.
Lord Sebastian Coe, who is in Ghana to witness the event firsthand, used the occasion to congratulate African nations for the performance of their athletes in recent international competitions, while encouraging member countries to make strategic decisions in bidding to host major international championships.
The 24th African Seniors Athletics Championship is scheduled to run from Tuesday May 13 to Saturday May 17 at the University of Ghana, Legon — marking the first time Ghana has hosted the prestigious continental showpiece.
