President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has shaded the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and its 2024 presidential candidate, John Dramani Mahama, for their initial remarks about Ghana hosting the just-ended 2023 All African Games in Accra.
The President in his jab at the NDC and their leader insinuated and described them as “naysayers.”
His comment is line with Mr. Mahama’s earlier call on the government to pull out hosting the competition over reasons of Ghana’s ailing economy.
“If it’s not too late, we can pull out of hosting the All African Games, as it will severely stretch our precarious finances by hundreds of millions of cedis,” Mr. Mahama stated.
However, President Akufo-Addo, and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) turned deaf ears to the call by the former head of state and went ahead and hosted the event which started on March 8 and ended Saturday, March 23, 2024.
In his congratulatory message to Ghanaians over what he described as successful event, the President thanked the general public for their support behind the state ensuring the expectation of “naysayers” did not materialise.
“To the people of Ghana, I thank you for believing in the ability of the Government to host the games, the first in our history. I am also grateful that you did not listen to the naysayers [John Mahama and the NDC] who doubted our nation’s resolve, and urged us to cancel the games’’ Akufo-Addo said.
He stressed: “To the people of Ghana, I thank you for believing in the ability of Government to host the Games, the first time in our history. I am also grateful that you did not listen to the naysayers who doubted our nation’s resolve, and urged us to cancel the games. Let the success of these Games serve as a catalyst to invest further in sports development, and empower our youth to reach greater heights on the international stage.”
President Akufo-Addo also congratulated all the Ghanaian athletes, sportsmen, and women, who participated in the games and the feat achieved on winning medals for the country.
“l extend warmest congratulations to Ghana’s contingent for their outstanding performances at the 13th Africa Games, Accra 2023, held right here in Accra. Our nation won a total of sixty-eight (68) medals – nineteen (19) gold, twenty-nine (29) silver, and twenty (20) bronze – by far the largest haul in our nation’s history at this prestigious event.
“To each and every member of the Ghanaian team, I commend you for your dedication, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Your excellent achievements have not only brought glory to our nation but have also inspired a new generation of sportspersons across our beloved country, you have showcased the best of Ghana to the world.
“I must also express my profound gratitude to the coaches, officials, and support staff who have played invaluable roles in preparing and guiding our sports persons throughout their journey. Your tireless efforts have been instrumental in shaping this historic triumph,” the President stressed in his congratulatory message.
In total, Ghana won a total of sixty-eight (68) medals – nineteen (19) gold, twenty-nine (29) silver, and twenty (20) bronze – by far the largest haul in our nation’s history at this prestigious event.
