Ghana ‘very ready’ to host the first-ever African Para Games – Samson Deen
With 44 days to the commencement of the 2023 African Para Games set to be hosted in Ghana, the President of the African Paralympic Committee, who doubles as President of Ghana Paralympic Committee, Samson Deen, has expressed enthusiasm about Ghana’s readiness to host the first-ever edition of the event.
In his latest interview, Samson Deen revealed some countries have withdrawn due to the unreadiness of some of the facilities to host some of the games.
It brings the number of African countries that are expected to participate to 22 from the initial 36 countries.
The Africa Para Games will also serve as qualifiers for the 2024 Paralympic Games.
“We are just about seven weeks away from the opening ceremony of the first African Para Games.”
“Ghana is very ready to host the games.”
“We have been engaging our members virtually, and with the Local Organizing Committee as well.”
“We have taken stock of everybody’s contribution to ensure the Games start on a good note.”
“We had only six months to prepare, we have only the month of August to wrap up things and see the games commence in September.”
Preparations and planning have reached an advanced stage, with the African Paralympic Committee (AfPC) announcing four venues within Accra to host the tournament.
Several African countries are poised to compete for medals when they participate in several sporting disciplines ranging from amputee football, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair tennis, track and field, weightlifting, and several other paralympic sports.
The National Paralympic Committee of Ghana, together with the African Paralympic Committee (AfPC) and the Local Organising Committee (LOC), have been working tirelessly to ensure the continent of Africa enjoys a very successful first-ever Paralympic game Ghana prepares to host the games, which kickstart in the next few weeks.
The 2023 African Para Games are scheduled to take place from September 3-12 in Accra.
The Eden Heights in Weija will host the Para-Basketball event, the Bukom Emporium is set to host the wheelchair volleyball, with the Accra Sports Stadium hosting amputee football and tennis.
The Legon Stadium might not be ready to host athletics during the Para Games in September due to the ongoing construction works.
It is expected to be ready for the 13th edition of the Africa Games, taking place in March 2024.