Ghana’s Tortuous Preparations For The All Africa Games 

COMMENTARY ON TEAM GHANA’S TORTUOUS PREPARATIONS FOR THE 11TH EDITION OF THE ALL AFRICA GAMES IN CONGO BRAZZAVILLE

But for a last minute effort by the National Sports Authority and the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Ghana’s participation in the 11th edition of the All Africa Games in Congo Brazzaville would have been a mirage. Ghana’s quest for gold at the16 day multi-sport event on the African continent has been embroiled in a lot of chaotic scenes, which almost marred the preparations in the lead up to the festival of sports in the Central African country. This year marks exactly 50 years, since the championship was first held in Brazzaville, with just 23 participating countries. Interestingly, as the same city hosts the Golden Jubilee edition, the competition will see more than 50 African countries compete for honours. It however remains to be seen, if Ghana can match up or even improve upon its medal haul of 2 gold, 4 silver, 6 bronze thus, placing 6th at the event in Brazzaville 1965. Out of the four million dollars needed by Team Ghana for preparation and participation in this year’s event, only a fraction of the amount was eventually released to the Ministry of Youth and Sports and subsequently to the National Sports Authority. This unduly threw into disarray, Team Ghana’s well planned strategy for the Games. To this end, one can say without any shred of doubt that Ghana has had a woeful preparation for the All Africa Games.  

It is really mind boggling that Ghana has failed to learn any lessons from the findings of the Maputo Committee set up by then Youth and Sports Minister Hon. Clement Kofi Humado, to fish out events and occurrences that affected the nation’s performance and chances of winning more medals. The Maputo Report emanated from a five member Committee following Team Ghana’s disastrous preparations and subsequent disappointing output four years ago during the 2011 event held in Mozambique. Ghana’s trip to Brazzaville has been fraught with so many challenges. Right from Association Heads' intended boycott of the Games over government’s delay in releasing funds, to a directive not to invite any foreign based footballer over lack of funds, to whether or not 800 meters Youth Olympic champion Martha Bissah should be included in Ghana’s team, as either a participant or observer. Last Sunday, the 350 member contingent finally left Accra for Brazzaville, much to the delight of all, after hours of delay at the Kotoka International Airport. Their joy was however short lived, as according to reports, they were left stranded after arriving at the Maya-Maya Airport for several hours through no fault of the sportsmen and women. Four years ago in Maputo, some Ghanaian journalists were obliged to stand in for Team Ghana during the opening ceremony over delay in the arrival of costume for the athletes. In 2015, costume for the athletes was locked up at the Tema Harbour for several weeks for reasons best known to officialdom.  It is safe to say, Ghanaians adore their sports, but some officials mandated to deliver are always disappointing to say the least. 50 years of our participation in the All Africa Games may have given us a fair number of medals, but certainly not in terms of quality, with regards to clear policy guidelines on how we should prepare for such championships. Hopefully, Brazzaville 2015 would not be another opportune time for some greedy officials to milk the country, but a great opportunity to lift higher the flag of Ghana. 

BY: EMMANUEL ADU-GYAMFI, GBC RADIO SPORTS DEPARTMENT.