Ghana’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon. Mustapha Ussif, is optimistic that the African Union (AU), Association of African Sports Confederations (UCSA), and Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) will find a solution to the misunderstanding between the parties.
Due to the misunderstanding, heads of some African federations absented themselves from the 13th African Games’ First Joint Technical Meeting held in Accra last week.
During his address at the closing session of the meeting held at the Alisa Hotel, Hon. Ussif expressed optimism that the parties will have a solution to the impasse.
“The protocol agreement was signed on the 29th of October 2021. After the signing of the protocol agreement, Ghana has met its obligation of the initial $900,000 to the African Union as a commitment fee to host the 13th African Games,” he revealed.
“The government of Ghana is committing over $200 million to provide the international standard sports infrastructure for the Games and several millions of dollars in activities before, during, and after the Games,” he added.
“With all these sacrifices from the government, it is sad to note that some key stakeholders are threatening to boycott the Games because of differences among us. This situation has led to the [absence of most] African federation heads from the first joint technical meeting.”
According the Hon. minister it is imperative that as African we face our challenges head on and reach mutually benefitial solutions. “And, I’m very sure and optimistic that we are going to find solutions to the challenges that we find ourselves,” he stated.