African Athletics Championships: GAA chief pledges world-class delivery

Ghana has set its sights on delivering a landmark continental showpiece after the President of the Ghana Athletics Association (GAA), Bawa Fuseini, pledged to stage the 2026 African Senior Athletics Championships to the highest international standards.

Speaking at the official launch in Accra, Mr Fuseini struck a confident tone, outlining a robust technical and operational framework aimed at ensuring precision, credibility and professionalism — key pillars that have often come under scrutiny in athletics competitions across the continent.

“This is the first time Ghana is hosting the African Athletics Championships, and we are putting in place the right structures to meet global standards,” he said.

Raising the bar

With the spotlight firmly on officiating integrity, the GAA has prioritised the deployment of modern, reliable technical systems comparable to those used at the World Athletics Championships and the Olympic Games.

The move is a direct response to longstanding concerns over inconsistencies in officiating across African athletics, with organisers determined to eliminate controversy and deliver a competition defined by accuracy and fairness.

For Ghana, this is more than just hosting a tournament — it is an opportunity to reset standards and position the country as a credible destination for elite international athletics.

Scheduled for May 12 to 17, 2026, at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium, the championship will bring together Africa’s finest athletes in a week-long battle for continental supremacy.

The event is expected to attract top-tier competitors from across the continent, turning Accra into the focal point of African athletics and offering Ghana a platform to showcase its organisational capacity on a global scale.

Beyond competition

Beyond medals and records, the GAA views Accra 2026 as a strategic investment in the future of athletics in Ghana.

Officials believe that the integration of advanced technology and improved infrastructure will not only guarantee a seamless championship but also leave a lasting legacy — strengthening local capacity, enhancing technical expertise and inspiring the next generation of Ghanaian athletes.