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Following the conclusion of the 13th African Games scheduled for March 8 to March 23, 2024, in Accra, the Ministry of Youth and Sports intends to convert the Borteyman Sports Complex into a University of Sports for Development. This move aims to ensure the continuous maintenance and benefit of the facilities at the complex for the country.
Speaking at a meet-the-press session on March 4, 2024, Minister Mustapha Ussif announced plans to enhance the complex with additional infrastructure, including hostel facilities, football pitches, a cafeteria, and a medical center. He emphasized that these upgrades will attract both local and foreign sports federations to Ghana to prepare for various competitions.
According to Minister Ussif, transforming the complex into a Sports Development University will position Ghana as a sports hub within the West African sub-region.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo commissioned the Borteyman Sports Complex on February 13, 2024.
The complex is set to host seven competitive sports, including table tennis, handball, tennis, volleyball, swimming, badminton, and the triathlon. Notably, table tennis, tennis, triathlon, and badminton events will also serve as qualifiers for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France.
Key features of the Borteyman facilities include a 1,000-seater capacity swimming pool with a 10-lane competition swimming pool and an eight-lane warm-up swimming pool. Additionally, a multi-purpose Sports Hall capable of seating 1,000 spectators for events such as basketball, badminton, netball, table tennis, and weightlifting is part of the complex.
The 13th African Games is expected to attract over 13,000 participants, including 5,000 athletes, 3,000 volunteers, 3,000 technical officers, and 2,000 guests. More than two billion spectators are expected to participate via TV, radio, and other virtual platforms worldwide.
Minister Ussif also highlighted the Ministry’s efforts to facilitate documentation for foreign athletes and officials by providing free visas in collaboration with the Local Organizing Committee and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration. This measure aims to mitigate congestion and delays associated with visa acquisition.
