President Nana Akufo-Addo has assured Ghanaians that the newly constructed sports facilities that was used for the 13th African Games will be well maintained, and will serve as appropriate venues for training future champions, and for hosting international sporting tournaments and competitions.

The President disclosed that the facilities will act as the nucleus for the soon-to-be-established University of Sports for Development, and will also be the venues for the holding of the Ghana National Games, i.e. the annual national sports festival, where winners from the district and regional levels will meet to compete for top honours.

President Akufo-Addo said these at the closing ceremony of the African Games at the University of Ghana stadium where he indicated that the Games did not only bring together the best athletes from our continent, but also highlighted the true meaning of African diversity, unity and common purpose of promoting the continent.

“The high-level of performances, the display of sportsmanship and competitiveness, which resulted in many athletes setting new personal bests, national records and games records, will, no doubt, inspire up and coming athletes to aim even higher and attain greater standards,” he stated.

Mr Akufo-Addo expressed appreciation for the collaboration and support of the African Union Commission, the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa, the African Union Sports Council, the Local Organising Committee, and other key stakeholders, in ensuring that the 13th African Games truly showcased the unique experiences, cultures and aspirations of the African peoples to the rest of the world.

He said he was particularly delighted, that despite all the challenges that confronted us, Ghana was able to provide world class sporting facilities for the Games.

He indicated that the edifice in Borteyman, the Legon Sports Stadium, the Rugby Pitch, the refurbished Theodosia Okoh Hockey Pitch, the Bukom Boxing Emporium, the rehabilitated Cricket Oval, as well as other facilities provided for the Games, underscore Ghana’s commitment to the development of sports in the country.

Ghana finished sixth on the medal table with 68 medals in total. 19 gold medals, 19 silver medals and 20 bronze medals.