Ghana wins bid to host 2026 African Athletics Championship.
Ghana has won the bid to host the 2026 African Athletics Championship in Accra after an emergency council meeting of the Confederation of African Athletics in Douala, Cameroon on Saturday [June 22, 2024].
Ghana put in a last minute bid and still edged out Botswana for the right to host Africa’s biggest track and field event.
Ghana's delegation consisted of Deputy Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Mr. Majid Bawa, President of Ghana Athletics, Fuseini Bawah and vice president, Charles Osei Asibey.
The President of Ghana Athletics, Fuseini Bawa confirmed the news to journalists on Saturday morning.
"During the first council meeting, Ghana and Botswana were encouraged to put in their bids. After an emergency consultation with the Deputy Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Abdul-Majeed Bawa and the Minister of Youth and Sports, Ussif Mustapha, approval was given for us to put in the bid.
"I did and last night, we were informed that we will be required to make presentations before the Executive Council. With the support of the vice president of Ghana Athletics, Charles Osei Assibey and the Deputy DG, I made the presentation after Botswana had also made theirs.
"It came down to voting and Ghana won the majority to host the 2026 continental athletics championships," Mr Bawa explained.
Out of the 15 countries that voted for the next competition host, Ghana garnered 12 votes, while Botswana managed only three.