The Minister for Youth & Sports, Hon Isaac Asiamah (MP) has announced that notwithstanding the negative effect of Covid- 19 on the global sporting programmes, Ghana’s preparation to host and organize the 2023 Africa games is on course. “So far, there has not been any indication of the postponement of the games.

Nonetheless, “the 2023 African Games Project Team, led by my hard working and industrious Deputy Minister for Youth and Sports, is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that Ghana organizes and hosts a memorable African Games, come 2023”, he stated.

He made this announcement when he took his turn to address the public at the Ministry of Information Press Centre to provide details for the ease of restrictions for non-contact games in the sports sector.

He noted that sports contributes to a wide range of social benefits such as improvement in health, crime reduction and the promotion of social and national integration, adding that Sports also helps individuals in tension management and the inculcation of desirable values such as honesty, perseverance, courage, and respect for law and order.

The Minister, mentioned that in line with the Presidential directives, non-contact sporting activities such as athletics, cycling, golf, weightlifting and individual non-contact para-sports can go on. He further noted that no team events like relays in athletics and doubles in badminton, table tennis and tennis are permitted. Only trainings are allowed in the above stated sports disciplines. No caddies (bag carriers) are permitted to accompany (carry bags for) golfers during training.

The Minister underscored that the National Sports Authority, in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development undertook a nationwide fumigation in all the stadia across the country. Offices, spectating sitting area, VIP lounge among other areas have been fumigated.

He entreated non- contact sports participants to obey the general safety protocols outlined by the government adding that the National Sport Authority (NSA) in collaboration with Ghana Health Service officials shall take enforcement responsibilities to ensure that the protocols are observed.