On March 3, 2023, the executive chairman and a few members of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the 13th African Games, known as Accra 2023, received a courtesy visit from Asafa Powell and his Ghanaian wife Alyshia Powell. Powell is a former world record holder in the 100-meter sprint.
Dr. Kwaku Ofosu-Asare, the LOC’s Executive Chairman, gave Asafa a briefing on the LOC’s mandate and informed him that the LOC had chosen to designate him as the Games’ brand ambassador.
Additionally, he informed him that the LOC intended to invite a Jamaican cultural ensemble to play at the African Games’ opening ceremony.
Asafa agreed to the position but insisted that it be made official by getting in touch with his management. He committed to helping sell and promote the 13th African Games in Accra in 2023.
Powell recommended that the LOC use the African Games as a venue to identify and nurture athletic talent among Ghanaian elementary school and senior high school students.
He continued by saying that Jamaica has many schools that teach athletics coaches and that many of these professional coaches reside there. He continued by saying that by working with Jamaica in this regard, Ghana might gain access to the knowledge of these experienced athletics coaches.
Asafa noted that although Ghana is brimming with athletic talent, he regrettably discovered during his tour that the West African country lacks the infrastructure for the growth and development of these skills.
As a result, he urged the LOC and the Government of the Republic of Ghana to invest in the construction of more running tracks in local communities and primary and senior high schools in order to nurture and develop Ghana’s many talents and help its citizens realize their aspirations on both a local and an international scale.
Powell and his wife were informed by Dr. Ofosu-Asare that new facilities, including tracks, were being built at the University of Ghana, Legon, and Borteyman for the African Games.
Ben Nunoo Mensah, President of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC), thanked Powell for their commitment to assist the LOC in planning and hosting a spectacular African Games.
Almost 5,000 athletes from all over the African continent will compete at the 13th African Games, Accra 2023, which will take place from March 8 to March 23, 2024. Of the roughly 20 sports disciplines, about 12 will be Olympic qualifying events.
Powell’s ten-day visit to Ghana is anticipated to raise awareness of the African Games and to forge closer ties between Ghana and Powell’s native Jamaica.
Asafa Powell to support 13th African Games, Accra 2023 as brand ambassador
