Africa reaffirms its dedication to fostering unity through sports as the Thirteenth African Games draw to a close in Ghana. After 16 days of spirited competition, the 13th edition of the African Games concluded on March 23, 2024. The closing ceremony, held at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium in Accra, Ghana, was presided over by His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic of Ghana.
The ceremony, attended by over 10,000 spectators, featured a procession of athletes representing the 52 participating countries. It also showcased murals celebrating themes of peace, tolerance, and hospitality, emblematic of the nation’s diverse cultural heritage and artistic richness.
The Nigerian contingent concluded its campaign at the African Games in Accra, Ghana, on a triumphant note, amassing a total of 120 medals (47 gold, 33 silver, and 40 bronze), securing a second-place finish behind Egypt.
In his address, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo underscored the 13th African Games as a celebration of unity, sportsmanship, and excellence across the African continent. He emphasized the event’s significance as a beacon of hope, reflecting Africa’s shared heritage and common aspirations. President Akufo-Addo commended the sportsmanship displayed by African youth during the competition and urged participants to uphold the highest standards of integrity in their future pursuits.
Furthermore, President Akufo-Addo highlighted the 13th African Games as a testament to Africa’s capability to host significant sporting events.
The African Union Commission, represented by a delegation led by Chairperson H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, honored the closing ceremony of the Games. H.E. Mahamat commended the people and government of Ghana, under President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s leadership, for their substantial investments in sporting facilities and infrastructure in preparation for hosting the 13th edition of the African Games, “Accra 2023.”
During the opening remarks, Mr. Hon. Mustapha Ussif, Ghana’s Minister of Youth and Sports and President of the organizing committee, expressed gratitude to the African Union for entrusting Ghana with the opportunity to host the Games. He emphasized the enduring utility of the multidisciplinary sports facilities constructed for the event, which will continue to benefit the entire sub-region for training and competition purposes.
Mr. Ussif praised the sportsmanship exhibited by African youth and reiterated the unifying role of sports in bringing the continent together and fostering peace. He reiterated the significance of the 13th African Games in showcasing Africa’s capacity to host major sporting events.
The 13th edition of the African Games brought together over 5,000 athletes competing in 29 sporting disciplines. The closing ceremony featured highlights such as the flag march of participating countries, traditional African performances, the lowering of the games flag and extinguishing of the flame, the handover of the games flag, a fireworks display, and musical performances by renowned African artists.
Egypt was formally entrusted with the African Games flag during the closing ceremony of the 13th African Games, signaling its role as the host of the 14th African Games.
The Executive Council of the African Union endorsed Egypt’s offer to host the 14th African Games, scheduled for 2026.
