Hon. Mustapha Ussif (MP), Minister of Youth and Sports & MP for Yagaba-Kubori Constituency, Honourable Ministers and Members of Parliament, Chief Director of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Colleague Members of the LOC and Members of the LOC Sub-Committees, Nii Mei and Naa Mei Distinguish Invited Personalities Members of the Media, Ladies, and Gentlemen.
It gives me a great pleasure to welcome you all to such an important event of the LOC for the 13th African Games, Accra 2023 which is the unveiling of our Logo, mascot, and website.
Logo and Mascot: The logo and mascot are the brand and identity of the African Games and by stretch the LOC and African Union. They are therefore the marketing tools for organizing and hosting the African Games. As the Host Nation, Ghana is expected to design a Logo and Mascot that will portray the spirit of the Games.
I will like to bring to your attention the overwhelming creativity of the youth of this country. Choosing the best among the best was not an easy task for the LOC.
A Logo and Mascot Design Competition was initiated through an advertisement in some National newspapers and on several social media platforms in July 2020. Five entries were shortlisted for an intense review after which three designers were invited by the LOC for an interview based on their outstanding designs.
Finally, the two winners the LOC selected had to meet the AUSC to defend their works and were successful in doing that. After the AUSC’s approval in October 2021, we have duly registered the Logo and Mascot with the Registrar General’s Department.
Introduction of Logo Designer – Ms. Tracy Ampah Oppong who is 23 years old and a product of KNUST now a Digital Communicator; Introduction of Mascot Designer – Mr. Frank Fiifi Forson who is a 41years old professional graphic designer.
Website: In our current digital world the website plays an important role in the formation and dissemination of news in every organization and in its dealing with the international world. The 13th African Games Website will have all the necessary information and news about the Games, athletes, AUSC, Sports disciplines, and the LOC.
Achievements
- Sod-Cutting at Borteyman in August, 2021
- Signing of Protocol Agreement in October
- Inauguration of Sub-Committees
What we Intend to do
- Selection of Team Ghana for the Games
Organise competitions at the district regional and national levels from January to May to select outstanding athletes for team Ghana who will be capable of winning medals during the Games.
- Funding for the Games
So far it is only the Government that has provided funding for the Games. The LOC intends to create an African Games fund This fund will enable Ghanaians both home and abroad and Corporate bodies to donate money to financially complement Government’s effort in hosting the Games.
- Collaboration with GFA and GHALCA
LOC will collaborate with GFA and GHALCA to promote the Games during Premiere leagues and International matches.
- Regional Tour
The LOC intends to carry out Regional tours to sensitize Ghanaians and make them feel part of the Games. The African Games: Your Games, My Games, Our Games. Thank You very much for your attention. (Meda mo ase, Akpe Na mi, Ga & Hausa)
God bless You all.