ACCRA, September 5, 2023 - The Ghanaian Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon. Mustapha Ussif on Sunday (September 3) declared the first African Games dubbed ‘Accra 2023’ open amidst cultural drumming and dancing at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra. Competitions will take place in the following disciplines: Wheel Chair Tennis, Wheel Chair Basketball and Amputee Football, from Monday September 4 to September 12.

FULL SUPPORT He said the President, HE Nana Akufo-Addo, who was absent, is fully in support of hosting the Para Games in Ghana as he believes the event is more than a sports celebration.

The Minister commended the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the first African Para Games for their hard work in ensuring that the Games come off with all personnel and logistics in place.

BOLD INITIATIVE The President of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), Andrew Parsons hailed Ghana for taking the bold initiative and decision to host the first continental Para Games in Africa as organising such an event for the first time is challenging.

He assured that the IPC will invest much in Africa because there is bright future for Para Sports in Africa.

HISTORIC MOMENT Samson Deen, President of the African Paralympic Committee (AfPC) said it is historic that after 36 years, Ghana is committed to hosting the first Games.

“I am happy to represent the interest of Africa, this is historic,” he said.

He gave a brief history of the APC and its leadership, commending his past executives.

The mascot of the Games in the form of Cocoa was displayed.

COUNTRIES AT THE OPENING CEREMONY The countries represented at the opening ceremony were Algeria, Angola, DR Congo, Egypt, Gambia, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Morocco, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.

All the nations represented have come with their best para athletes and officials hoping for an exciting and memorable event.

The Ghana Sports Supporters will be available to cheers athletes throughout the competition.