The President of the African Paralympic Committee Samson Deen has explained why most of the sporting disciplines which was set to take place in the maiden edition of the African Para Games in Accra has been rescheduled to next year.
He cited lack of certain sporting facilities as the cause for the postponement.
“As you are aware, we intended to do seven sports but due to the lack of facilities readiness, we decided to postponed most of the sports to next year,” he said.
Speaking at the sidelines of the opening ceremony which was held on September 3, 2023 at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra, he added that Ghana is still part of the elite sports nations in the world.
The event was graced by dignitaries such as President of the International Paralympic Committee, Andrew George William Parsons, President of the African Paralympic Committee Samson Deen and the Minister for Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif.
Mustapha Ussif officially launched the 2023 African Para Games as he expressed his excitement as Ghana was the country choice for the opening ceremony of the continental games.
“I am thrilled to share the historic moment of the opening ceremony of the 1st African Para Games here in Accra, Ghana.”
“On behalf of His Excellency, the president of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo, I have the singular honour to declare the first ever African Para Games duly launched and opened,” Mustapha Ussif declared.
The African Para Games will be held between the 4th and 12th September, 2023. There will be five venues to host the events including McDan LA Town park, University Of Professional Studies Field, University Of Ghana, Accra Sports Stadium and Eden Heights Sporting Complex.
The sporting disciplines which will take place are amputee men football, wheel chair tennis and wheel chair basketball.
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Story by : Gabriel Tecco Mensah| univers.ug.edu.gh
