Ghana’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon Mustapha Ussif, has confirmed that the total cost of infrastructure for the 2023 African Games amounts to $195 million.
Originally slated for August 2023, the multi-sport event faced delays due to ongoing construction work, prompting a rescheduling to 2024.
Addressing the press on Monday, Minister Ussif provided updates on Ghana’s preparations for the Games, highlighting significant investments in key facilities. The infrastructure includes the newly constructed Borteyman Sports Complex, the completed University of Ghana Stadium, and renovated campus accommodations serving as the Games’ Village.
Breaking down the cost, he revealed that the Borteyman Sports Complex is valued at $145 million. The facility boasts an aquatic center with warm-up and competition pools, accommodating up to 1000 spectators. This facility will host a diverse range of sports, including Badminton, Handball, Weightlifting, Basketball Tennis, Fencing, Volleyball, Table Tennis, Karate-do, Judo, Taekwondo, MMA, Wrestling, and Aquatic events like Swimming and Triathlon.
The University of Ghana Stadium, with a development history dating back to 2007, incurred a cost of $34 million for its completion. It will play a pivotal role in hosting various events during the Africa Games.
The Games Village, costing $16 million, will serve as the central Games Center, handling accreditation, transportation, administrative matters, and hosting sports such as Armwrestling, Athletics (Track/Field), Squash, and Rugby.
Minister Ussif defended the expenditure, highlighting the difference with Morocco’s 2019 edition where existing infrastructure lowered costs.
“Morocco spent less to host the African Games in 2019 because they already had existing infrastructure,” he stated.
The minister also revealed a substantial amount will be spent on operations.
“The operational cost of the games is $47.7 million. The amount is for the general organization of the games including tech meetings, allowances, game’s management system, accommodation and feeding for athletes, officials and volunteers, security, medals, transportation”
With the investment made, Ussif anticipates reaching over two billion audiences with the substantial investment made.
“Ghana is expecting 13,000 athletes and officials for the African Games,” he added.
The Games are scheduled for March 8-23, 2024, expecting around 13,000 athletes, technical officials, and medical personnel.
