A vibrant opening ceremony was held on Monday, May 11 at the University of Ghana Stadium to officially usher in the 24th edition of the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Senior Athletics Championship.
The grand ceremony in Legon set the stage for six days of elite continental competition, with more than 800 athletes from 49 African countries expected to compete across over 40 events beginning Tuesday, May 12.
The championship, one of Africa’s biggest athletics competitions, has brought together some of the continent’s finest track and field stars, many of whom will be aiming to improve rankings and secure qualification marks for future global competitions including the World Athletics Championship in Beijing next year.
The event attracted several prominent figures from Ghanaian sports and politics as well as leading officials in world athletics. Among the dignitaries present were Ghana’s Minister for Sports and Recreation, Hon. Kofi Adams, Ghana’s Chief of Staff Hon. Julius Debrah, President of the Ghana Athletics Association Bawah Fuseini and President of World Athletics Sebastian Coe.
Bawah Fuseini, in his opening remarks, welcomed all participating nations to Ghana and expressed optimism about the success of the championship. He wished traveling athletes, officials and supporters “a good stay” in the country and extended his best wishes to all competitors ahead of the week-long event.
Minister for Sports and Recreation Kofi Adams also delivered a passionate speech, describing the championship as more than just a sporting event.
“I welcome you to the 24th Senior Athletics Championship not just as participants but a family from every corner of the continent. We have gathered here under one sky and under one flag of excellence.”
Hon. Kofi Adams
The Sports Minister further encouraged athletes and visitors to embrace the Ghanaian experience beyond the competition itself. “Experience more than the stadium, feel the warmth of our people, experience our culture, build friendships across borders and create memories beyond competition because once the medals are won, what remains is the human connection,” he added.
Sebastian Coe also addressed the gathering and praised the remarkable impact African athletes continue to make on the global stage. The World Athletics president highlighted the achievements of athletes from the continent and specifically referenced Kenya’s marathon star Sebastian Sawe, who recently impressed at the London Marathon by setting new record and become the first to finish the event under two hours.
Stonebwoy, Edem Light Up Ceremony With Electrifying Performances
Aside the speeches and official proceedings, the opening ceremony was filled with entertainment and cultural displays that thrilled spectators inside the stadium.
Ghanaian music stars Ayigbe Edem and Stonebwoy delivered energetic performances that brought life and excitement to the atmosphere. Edem was the first to take to the stage and quickly got fans on their feet with a lively performance that energized the crowd.
The ceremony then climaxed with an electric display from reigning reggae and dancehall artiste of the year Stonebwoy, whose performance drew loud cheers from spectators gathered at the stadium.
Popular Ghanaian dancer Afronita and her dance team also entertained fans with a captivating dancing performance that added another layer of excitement to the evening.
The combination of music, dance and cultural exhibitions reflected Ghana’s rich entertainment heritage and added glamour to the official opening of the championship.
The 24th CAA Senior Athletics Championship officially begins at 9am on Tuesday, May 12 and will run until Sunday, May 17 at the University of Ghana Stadium.
Athletes from across the continent are expected to compete in various track and field disciplines over the next six days as Africa’s best seek continental glory in Accra.
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