World Athletics Chief storms Accra for African Championships

THE 24th African Senior Athletics Championships in Accra has taken on added global significance, with Lord Sebastian Coe confirming he will attend the continental showpiece, a move that underscores the event’s growing stature on the international calendar.

The President of World Athletics is set to lead a high-powered delegation to the championships, scheduled for May 12 to 17, joining a line-up that already features some of the continent’s finest athletes.

The Ghana Athletics President, Fuseini Bawa, who confirmed the development, described the moment as unprecedented, revealing that Lord Coe will be accompanied by Raúl Chapado (Spain), Margaret Durand (Canada) and Ximena Restrepo (Chile), the three vice-presidents of World Athletics.

“This is unprecedented to see Lord Coe with three of World Athletics’ vice-presidents attending one championship at the same time,” Mr Bawa said. “It is a moment of pride for Ghana and Africa and we intend to leverage this privilege.”

The presence of four of the sport’s most influential administrators at a single continental event is rare, signalling both confidence in Ghana’s hosting capabilities and a broader recognition of Africa’s growing influence within global athletics.

Visit

Beyond the competition, the visit presents a strategic opportunity for Ghana to deepen relationships with the sport’s governing body, enhance its international profile and strengthen its case as a destination for future elite events.

For Lord Coe, the trip will mark his third visit to Ghana. His first came in 2005, when he led London’s successful bid for the 2012 Olympic Games and sought Ghana’s backing.

He returned in 2015 to campaign for the World Athletics presidency, a bid he won and has since consolidated through three four-year terms, with his current tenure set to end in 2027.

A former Olympic champion turned global sports administrator, Lord Coe’s presence, alongside his senior leadership team, adds significant weight to a championship already attracting top-tier talent from across the continent.