Accra Set to Host 24th African Senior Athletics Championships at University of Ghana Stadium

Posted : 17 April 2026

The Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) has formally announced that Ghana will host the 24th edition of the African Senior Athletics Championships. This major track and field event is scheduled to take place from May 12 to May 17, 2026. All competitive events will be staged at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium in Legon, Accra. This venue previously gained international acclaim during the successful hosting of the African Games.

This selection marks a significant milestone for Ghana as it continues to position itself as a premier destination for international sports. The championship is expected to draw over 1,000 elite athletes and technical officials from 54 African nations. High-profile competitors, including Kenyan distance stars Faith Chepkoech and Beatrice Chebet, are anticipated to participate. Relay powerhouses from Botswana and South Africa are also expected to headline the sprint events.

The Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Iddie Adams, recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with CAA President Col. Hamad Kalkaba Malboum to finalize the hosting rights. During the ceremony, officials emphasized that the competition would be the first major outdoor event of the season. Many athletes intend to use the championships as a vital qualifying window for the upcoming World Athletics Championships and the Olympic Games.

To ensure the event meets global standards, the Ghana Athletics Association (GA) is procuring advanced electronic timing equipment. This initiative aims to provide the technical accuracy required for elite world rankings. Approximately 120 technical officials have already undergone specialized training to manage the six-day competition. The Local Organizing Committee, led by Farihan Alhassan, is coordinating logistics to avoid technical issues seen in previous continental editions.

Hosting this event is expected to significantly boost Ghana’s sports development and local economy. The timeline was specifically chosen to coincide with university holidays at the University of Ghana to ensure maximum facility availability. Beyond the track, the event will help improve local infrastructure and inspire a new generation of Ghanaian athletes. Fans will have a rare opportunity to see the continent’s fastest and strongest individuals compete live in Accra.

The championship will conclude on May 17, followed by the departure of various national delegations on May 18. This event serves as a precursor to the first edition of the International Student Championship, which will also be held at the same venue later in May. Successful delivery of this tournament is viewed as a stepping stone for Ghana to bid for even larger global sporting events in the future.

Accra Set to Host 24th African Senior Athletics Championships at University of Ghana Stadium

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