The African Games in Ghana was a big program that provided a spectrum of victories and hiccups. As it was the first time an event like this was hosted in Ghana, I was curious to witness it. I attended the opening ceremony and some of the tennis and net ball games. Let’s recap, shall we?
The 13th edition of the African Games was hosted in Ghana in March 2024. The program was 15 days of sports contests and ceremonies. Reportedly, Ghana hosted 5,000 athletes and coaches from 55 African countries, competing in 29 selected sports codes, plus 3,000 technical officers, journalists, and global celebrities. The African Games were used as an official qualifier for the XXXIII Olympic Games Paris 2024.
I had the pleasure of attending the opening ceremony for the African Games. It was really beautiful to witness all the African countries being represented. The show was also a very nice production. I’m grateful I had the opportunity to experience this.
A theme (or statement) that was repeated by the MC and within multiple speeches was “this is Africa’s time.” Emphasizing that sports and music will continue to unify Africa through these games.
This is lovely, if we are seriously committed. Seeing the NFL and NBA position themselves in Africa makes sense. But I hope we don’t stop there. I trust we don’t settle for entertainment. A unified Africa will also benefit from removal of visa and travel restrictions, exploitation policies, crabs in a bucket, economic hitmen, money laundering investments, genocide allies, and colonizer puppet strings. The money sports and music brings can move some of this. It would be nice to see more of that on the ground, instead of more talk in the air. I’m looking forward to when that does happen.
Apparently, supposedly, and allegedly, the African Games was moved from October 2023 to March 2024 for two reasons:
- The sports facility was not ready yet. (A British company got the contract to build it. So, do we blame Ghana Time or something else?)
- The marketing revenue or budget was not established yet. (Maybe we can blame Ghana Time for that one)
Now, the games took place in March 2024.
The sports facility was very nice. I hope and trust it is maintained and utilized well after the program.
The marketing for the program was slacking. The information for who was playing and timing was missing or posted on social media after the fact. In spite of this, I was glad to see folks taking the initiative to explore and bring the whole family to a new activity. This was a great a program for people of all ages to enjoy. Ticket were not scanned or checked when I went. Technically, I guess the games were free. I don’t know where my 150ghc went. But I release it as a good effort donation to Ghana’s economy. You’re welcome.
The timing to reschedule this program also made me wonder. Since it includes all African countries, that means some of the athletes would be fasting in March. I felt it was not fair to be fasting and performing in the heat like that. Of course, the athletes are professionals. Those who are supposed to go to the Olympics will get there regardless. But, I feel we could have been more considerate of everyone.
I commend Ghana for pushing through to host the African Games. It was the first time and not an easy task. Now we know how to do it better next time. I feel a lot of what was reported or shared through mainstream media and WhatsApp groups was heavy on negativity. Yes, that one shoe size was incorrect. Yes, that one ambulance did not have fuel. Yes, some of the signs were printed on regular paper. Yes, ECG thought it was the perfect time to turn off the power at a stadium during a game. Ok. But, I feel none of that weighs as much or overshadows all the good that did occur.
The arrangement to host the African Games was made years in advance. Using projections that possibly were no longer viable at the time of the program. From my understanding, the funding to host the program was not available in one full sum, but dispersed periodically or in smaller amounts. Also, from what I could see, a lot of people were needed to balance this program. Which means, the main organizations in charge needed to use a variety of third parties and vendors. So, could it be possible, that some of the hiccups were not caused by “wow, look at Ghana, who can’t do anything correct,” but, instead, caused by a trickle down disfunction of communication, schedules, or payments. It is not fair to compare your first time doing something to someone else’s 80th time doing something. Even if it is a country, ministry, or corporation.
All of the athletes, teams, reporters, etc. who traveled to Ghana for the African Games were singing Ghana’s praises. They felt safe. They commended the organization. And, of course, they enjoyed Ghana’s infamous hospitality for foreigners. That deserves credit.
During the activities and ceremony I attended, the stands were full. This was not only Ghana’s elite enjoying. A variety of Ghanaians had something to experience and look forward to. Even if it was just a moment away from their daily frustrations, this should count for something.
Maybe this is a mindset thing for me. I’m not saying we should ignore the hiccups or mistakes. But, the comparisons should be inspiration or motivation. For example, the comparison competition looking at how Ivory Coast hosted the African Cup Of Nations a month before should be viewed as inspiration and motivation. There were different nuances, funding, and work ethic at play. Instead, if you need to look at competition, take note if Ghana could have hosted the African Games 10 years ago. Take note if the NFL, NBA, or other mainstream sports organizations would pay attention to Ghana 20 years ago. At the present, we believe we should be further along then we are. I agree with you on that. But, you are not standing in one place. The movement is happening. I just hope and trust we grow more clear on the direction of that movement to be more mutually beneficial.
Overall, I think the African Games in Accra was good. Next time, it will be even better.
Did you attend any of the activities? How was your experience? Let me know in the comments. I always love hearing from you.
Dagny Zenovia 
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