ADDRESS BY HON. MUSTAPHA USSIF (MP), MINISTER FOR YOUTH AND SPORTS AT THE FIRST MEETING OF THE NEWLY CONSTITUTED TECHNICAL COMMITTEE FOR THE AFRICAN GAMES, ACCRA 2023

Deputy Minister for Youth and Sports, Hon. Evans Bobie Opoku,

Her Excellency Ambassador Minata Samate Cessouma,

Chairperson of the TCAG, who also serves as the AU,

Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs, and Social Development,

The Chief Director of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Mr. William Kartey,

The Executive Chairman of the LOC, Dr. Kwaku Ofosu-Asare and members of the LOC,

The Coordinator of the African Union Sport Council, Dr. Decius Chipande and Staff of the AUSC,

President of the Association of African Sports Confederations Major General Ahmed Nasser,

Representative of the President of ANOCA

Delegates representing the five (5) AUSC Regions of Africa

Members of the Mass Media

Distinguished invited Guests

Ladies and Gentlemen

1. On behalf of His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic, the Government and people of Ghana and on my own behalf, I warmly welcome you all to Accra, the city that will host the 13^th African Games, and to Ghana, the country ready to host all 54 AU member States in March 2024.

2. May I take this opportunity to congratulate all members of the newly constituted Technical Committee for the African Games and to express my profound gratitude to those of you here, for honoring the invitation to attend this meeting.

3. I believe that your rich experience, expertise and dedication will be brought to bear to ensure the organization of a successful African Games. It is my hope that this meeting will put in place realistic action plans, strategies, programmes and activities that will guarantee the progress and sustainability of this and future African Games.

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen

4. The mark of the 13^th African Games, Accra 2023 echoes the declaration of the First President of the Republic of Ghana that “The independence of Ghana is meaningless unless it is linked to the total liberation of the continent of Africa”

5. I dare say today, that the organization of the 13^th Africa Games, Accra 2023 will be colorless, unless it registers the total participation of all AU Member States This is the inclusive Africa we want, where no one is left behind. This can only be achieved if all members of the TCAG work together as a Team with the supreme interest of Africa in your heart, to feel for the wellbeing of Africa, and in your minds, to think of the welfare of Africa.

6. If in the past, COVID 19 and the impasse among key stakeholders of the African Games divided us, let us be strongly united today, by the exceptional and inspirational leadership of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic, His Excellency Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission and the affable and tactful Chairperson of the TCAG. Her Excellency Ambassador Minata Samate Cessouma,  The existing unity among all stakeholders today, is amplified by the continuous support extended by the African Union Sport Council, ANOCA and AASC to the LOC for the 13th African Games.

7. Madam Chairperson, stakeholders collaboration with the LOC is invaluable, and together, we shall create an event that celebrates African unity, diversity, and progress across our beloved continent.

8. As we approach the commencement of the 13^th African Games with optimism and passion, let me assure you, Madam Chairperson, and all present here, of the solid commitment of the Government and people of Ghana to host a memorable African Games despite the obvious challenges.

9. To demonstrate Ghana's commitment to hosting a successful African Games, the Government has made significant investments in the construction of world-class facilities, demonstrated by the remarkable progress of works going on at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium, the Rugby Stadium and the Games Village, as well as the Borteyman Sports Complex which will be converted into a University of Sport for Development in the near future.

10. Our commitment extends beyond providing sports infrastructure. The Government of Ghana will endeavor to provide the necessary resources and support for all functional areas crucial to the African Games. This unwavering backing reflects our conviction in the transformative power of sports as a tool to enhance human and social development, fostering economic growth, and advancing political cooperation among African nations.

11. With barely seven months to the commencement of this flagship event of the African Union, I humbly appeal for a unified and collaborative effort from all actors. Together, we can surmount any challenge and successfully organize a memorable 13^th African Games in March 2024.

12. Let us approach the preparation and execution of the 13^th African Games with utmost dip and professionalism. It is not merely an event but a testament to the unity and progress of our beloved continent. Let us use the African Games as a catalyst to accelerate the unification of the African continent.

13. Let us work hand in hand, embracing our diversity so that together, we create an unforgettable experience that will resonate well with the African Union Agenda 2063, THE AFRICA WE WANT.

14. On this note, I wish you a very fruitful and successful meeting.

15. Thank you, and may our collective efforts yield a truly remarkable 13th African Games.