Ghana's Sports Minister, Carbonatix Kofi Iddie Adams, has called on the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) to improve sports infrastructure across the continent. This appeal aims to position Africa for hosting future World Athletics Championships. The Minister made this statement during a CAA council meeting on May 14, 2026, held before the 24th African Athletics Championships.
Mr. Iddie Adams emphasized that adequate infrastructure is crucial for Africa to attract and successfully host global sporting events. Enhanced facilities would create economic opportunities and foster athletic development across member nations. He also highlighted Ghana's commitment to sports through increased investment in grassroots development and the introduction of a new sports fund to improve athlete welfare.
This push for infrastructure aligns with Ghana's broader economic development goals, which prioritize investments in public facilities and human capital. Improved sports infrastructure can boost local economies through tourism, job creation, and increased public engagement in sports. The focus on grassroots development also supports long-term athletic talent pipelines, potentially leading to future international successes and prestige for African nations.
“Let us work together to make sure we individually and work as collective to improve infrastructure in the various countries,” Mr. Iddie Adams stated. He cited countries like Kenya, Uganda, and Botswana as examples of nations already capable of hosting major international championships with minimal external support. This demonstrates the potential for other African countries to achieve similar levels of preparedness with concerted effort and investment.
The successful hosting of major athletic events would generate significant revenue and enhance Africa's global image. It would attract foreign investment and stimulate growth in related sectors such as hospitality and transport. The Minister's remarks signify a strategic vision to leverage sports for broader economic and social upliftment on the continent.
Mr. Sebastian Coe, President of World Athletics, expressed his satisfaction with the preparations for the current championships. He praised the Confederation of African Athletics for its substantial contributions to the global growth of athletics over the last 50 years. This acknowledgment underscores the current capabilities and future potential of African athletics.
The 24th African Athletics Championships are scheduled from May 12 to May 17, 2026, in Accra, Ghana. A successful hosting of this event will serve as a testament to Africa's organizational capabilities. This event could further strengthen the case for future bids to host larger, global athletic competitions. Decision-makers and investors will closely watch Ghana's execution of these championships as an indicator of future investment potential.