University of Ghana Holds Information-Sharing Session on 13th African Games, Accra 2023
The University of Ghana Team for Accra 2023 Games under the auspices of University Management has engaged relevant stakeholders of the University Community in an information-sharing session on the proposed facilities to be upgraded and used for the 13th African Games dubbed Accra 2023. The African Games is scheduled for August/September 2023.
Mr. Emmanuel Baidoo
Mr. Emmanuel Baidoo, College Secretary for College of Basic and Applied Sciences (CBAS), who represented the Registrar, Mrs. Emelia Agyei-Mensah welcomed participants to the information-sharing session. He stated that the Ministry of Youth and Sports (MOYS) through the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the Accra 2023 Games has approached University Management for permission to use some facilities of the University to host the Games of which Management has given approval. To this end, some facilities of the University have been selected to be upgraded to meet the required international standards. He remarked that University Management has put together a team made up of the Registrar, the Director of Sports, and the Director of Physical Development and Municipal Services Directorate (PDMSD) to liaise with the MOYS and the LOC for the smooth implementation of the projects for the Games. Mr. Baidoo appealed to members of the University Community, especially students in the halls of residence selected for upgrading to bear with the University for the inconveniences that come with construction works.
Professor Gordon A. Awandare
Professor Gordon A. Awandare, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs in his opening remarks reiterated that the Games presents UG the unique opportunity and platform to showcase the University to the African continent and the entire world. He stated that University Management will ensure there is a robust plan for a professional management system for the facilities beyond Accra 2023.
“The games will give us the platform to project the beauty of our campus, the competence of our personnel and officials, the competitiveness of our athletes and the conduciveness of our facilities for the Games. UG will benefit from a legacy of excellent infrastructure. This enormous investment in infrastructure will remain with us after the Games. I ask for the cooperation and support of all as we journey through the construction inconveniences though I am hopeful it will be within a short period”, he stated.
Dr. Bella Bello Bitugu
The Director of Sports, Dr. Bella Bello Bitugu in his presentation highlighted that the 11,000 capacity UG Stadium will be completed for athletics and football. The UG Stadium will have both VVIP and VIP sections, a car park, offices, and a 30-bed hostel accommodation. The Stadium will also come with a warm-up athletics track. The Games will have over fifty nations participating, seven thousand athletes and coaches and three thousand plus Technical Officers, media, global celebrities and lovers of sports and Africa for the fifteen days Games.
Mr. Charles Kofinti
Mr. Charles Kofinti, Director for PDMSD stated that the refurbishment of Dr. Hilla Limann, Alexander Kwapong, Elizabeth Frances Sey, Jean Nelson Halls, International Students Hostel 1 and 2, VALCO 1 and 2, and the new Vikings Hall will serve as Games Village. Construction of three domes opposite LIZALEX will be used as a medical center and a canteen during the Games. The Director observed that there will be high security presence during the period of the Games. Access to the Games Village will be restricted to only those with appropriate accreditation. He added that for the two-week period of the Games, it is expected that there may be occasional diversions and warning signs to enhance free flow of traffic.
The contractors on site, Messrs. Mawums Ltd. and Messrs. Consar Ltd. gave assurance of minimising the inconveniences to barest minimum. They also promise to engage the stakeholders periodically and to complete the various projects ahead of schedule.
Other members present were Provosts, College Secretaries, General Manager for University of Ghana Enterprises Limited (UGEL), Hall Masters/Wardens/Tutors, Student representatives, Contractors, and staff of the Sports Directorate.
The African Games, which is a multi-disciplinary sports competition, designed to promote a high-level elite African Sports, and to foster cultural exchanges among African Union Member States was first held in 1965 in Congo Brazzaville.
A cross-section of participants at the information-sharing session