Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif has expressed disapproval of the media’s focus on the negative aspects of Ghana’s hosting of the 2023 African Games. Instead, he encourages highlighting the positive elements of the event.
During a press conference on Monday at the University of Ghana Stadium, Ussif argued that Ghana has garnered international acclaim for organizing “spectacular games.”
This statement follows criticism from Ghanaian athletes who have voiced concerns about the lack of support from authorities.
Winnifred Ntumi, the athlete securing Ghana’s initial three medals, including a gold, revealed using her jersey for weightlifting due to inadequate support. Cyclist Abigail Tetteh disclosed that she and her colleagues couldn’t complete the women’s race as they had self-funded their bicycles, substituting aluminium ones for the required fibre bicycles.
13TH AFRICAN GAMES: “Camping in Cape Coast played a vital role in medal collection” – Winnifred Ntumi#CitiSports #Accra2023 https://t.co/5hDCcx0N4c
— Citi Sports (@CitiSportsGHA) March 11, 2024
The badminton team faced transportation challenges, being conveyed in the back of a pickup to Borteyman for their event. Meanwhile, team captain Leslie Addo complained about being provided with boots of the wrong size for competition.
Issues persisted, such as delays in the men’s cycling event due to an ambulance lacking fuel. Notably, top Ghanaian cyclist Michael Naaba withdrew mid-race, citing faulty equipment and accusing authorities of neglecting their duty to provide the necessary gear.
Despite these hurdles, Ussif remains steadfast in asserting the overall success of the games.
He attributes the challenges faced by the cyclists to the Cycling Federation’s failure to furnish a list of required equipment.
