Hon. Mustapha Ussif (MP) Message At Commissioning of University of Ghana Sports Stadium For 2023 African Games

Speech by the Minister for Youth and Sports, Hon. Mustapha Ussif (MP), at the commissioning of the Legon Sports Facilities for the 13th African Games, Accra 2023, on Friday, March 1, 2024.

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YOUR EXECELLENCY, THE VICE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF GHANA, ALHAJI DR, MAHAMUDU BAWUMIA,
HONOURABLE MINISTERS OF STATE
CHAIRMAN OF PARLIAMENTARY SELECT COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, SPORTS AND CULTURE
NANANOM/NII MEI/NAA MEI
DISTINGUISHED MEMBERS OF THE DIPLOMATIC CORPS
THE VICE CHANCELLOR, UNIVERSITY OF GHANA.

THE MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT, AYAWASO WEST CONSTITUENCY
THE MAYOR, ACCRA METROPOLITAN ASSEMBLY.

THE DISTRICT CHIEF EXECUTIVE, AYAWASO WEST DISTRICT
THE PRESIDENT, GHANA OLYMPIC COMMITTEE.

THE UN RESIDENT COORDINATOR, UNITED NATIONS GHANA
PRESIDENTS OF NATIONAL SPORTS FEDERATIONS.

THE CHIEF OF MISSION, INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR MIGRATION (IOM)

THE DIRECTOR, CONFUCIUS INSTITUTE UNIVERSITY OF GHANA, LEGON.

THE HEAD OF CIVIL SERVICE OF GHANA.

THE CONTROLLER AND ACCOUNTANT GENERAL.

THE NATIONAL CHIEF IMAM
THE WORLD BANK COUNTRY DIRECTOR FOR GHANA
THE INSPECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE
THE CHIEF FIRE OFFICER
FRIENDS FROM THE MEDIA
DISTINGUISHED LADIES AND GENTLEMEN

1. I stand before you once again with immense pride and excitement for another very important ceremony which propels us very close towards hosting and organizing the 13th African Games, Accra 2023.

2. Indeed, we have only seven days to the Games and it’s a great honour to have the second gentleman of our great nation, His Excellency Dr. Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia on this special occasion, to commission the Legon Sports Facilities.

3. As we cherish this moment and look forward to the rest of Africa joining us here in Accra in some few days, I am honored to reflect on the journey that has brought us this far and the significance it holds for our beautiful nation. From the 100-day countdown, which you duly launched to this day, a lot has been achieved in the preparation towards the Games, especially, the facilities we see today.

4. Despite the challenges and unforeseen obstacles encountered, we have been relentless in our efforts to provide rapid and suitable solutions to them and this is the beautiful evidence we all see today.

Your Excellency, Distinguished Guests,
5. The forthcoming 13th African Games carries immense significance for the national development of Ghana. Beyond the thrill of competition, the event serves as a catalyst for progress, growth and development.

6. The construction of state-of-the-art sports facilities in the country, not only provides a platform for athletic excellence, but also contributes to the overall infrastructure development, leaving a legacy for generations to come. After Accra 2023, these facilities will serve as centers of excellence, nurturing budding talents, and providing a platform for international competitions.

Distinguished Guests,
7. The huge investment into this magnificent sporting facilities will not only seek to achieve sports development, but also sports for development geared towards socio-economic development of our great country.

8. It must be noted that, investment into innovative sport infrastructure contributes immensely to economic growth and prosperity. It also ensures healthy lifestyle and promote the well-being of its citizens at all ages. Additionally, it ensures inclusive and equitable quality education while promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all, especially at the location these facilities are situated.

9. This is the agenda of His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s government and we are on track. Our President has remained resolute and totally committed to this project. We say ‘Ayekoo’.

10. Therefore, as we patiently wait for the commissioning of the facilities we see here today by the Vice President, it is my fervent hope that these facilities will be consciously maintained and sustained to continually keep the international standard for continuous development of our sportsmen and women, as well as potential athletes.

Distinguished Guests,
11. As we welcome teams from over 54 countries to our shores, lets us stand in unity, love and oneness as Africans to make this Games a success.

12. Ghana is known to be very hospitable, therefore, let us exhibit it fully and extensively to make the stay of our guests not just memorable but truly unforgettable.

13. Before I conclude, let me take this opportunity to express my deepest appreciation to all stakeholders who have played a pivotal role in the preparation towards hosting and organising the 13th African Games.

14. Once again, the pace-setting role of my predecessor, Hon. Isaac Kwame Asiamah cannot be forgotten. He deserves lots of commendation for starting this project by leading Ghana to win the bid as a sector Minister. He laid a good foundation which gave me hope and the enthusiasm to continue this project.

15. To our partners, sponsors, chiefs and traditional leader, members of the local communities, and the dedicated individuals who have tirelessly worked behind the scenes, your contribution has not gone unnoticed. This event is a testament to the power of collaboration and shared commitment, and I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each one of you.

16. The government and the people of Ghana will continue to count on your dedication and commitment to follow through with the remaining preparatory activities to host and organize the best African Games.

17. Finally, again, I want to appeal to corporate Ghana, including multi-national companies in the country, not to miss out on this unique opportunity to be our partners.

18. Join us to make history by coming on board as sponsors, while we also offer a strong national and continental platform to reach out to millions of Ghanaian and African audience.

19. Thank you.

God bless Ghana
God bless the African Games
God bless Africa

Source: Accra Street Journal

Last Updated on March 21, 2026 by Samuel Kwame Boadu

Samuel Kwame Boadu

Samuel Kwame Boadu is a Ghanaian media entrepreneur and storyteller with a passion for amplifying urban voices and uncovering everyday truths. He is the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Accra Street Journal, a dynamic digital platform dedicated to capturing the pulse of Ghana’s capital—its people, culture, challenges, business, sports and innovations.

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