Ghana is poised to become the first African nation to host the Commonwealth Games, as the organisers of the 2026 edition of the event are set to reveal the host in May.
Following setbacks and refusals from Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, and other countries in advance of the 2026 edition of the event.
The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) has disclosed that the host for the 2026 Commonwealth Games will be announced in May, and Ghana is eager to be in contention.
Also, Ghana’s Sports Minister, Mustapha Ussif, articulated during an interview that his country is prepared to fill the void after effectively hosting the African Games in 2023.
“In fact, the president of the Commonwealth Games visited Ghana. He inspected our facilities and held a meeting with me. I even had the opportunity to attend some of their meetings.
Their programs indicate a desire for an African nation to host the Commonwealth Games, and Ghana, with its current facilities, is ready,” Ussif told GHOne TV.
Durban, South Africa, had initially been selected as the first African nation to host the Games in 2022 but lost the honor when milestone payments were not met.
“The Commonwealth Games Federation is pleased to confirm that it is currently reviewing several proposals to host the 2026 Games.
Significant progress has been achieved, and we are enthusiastic about the initial concepts, which aim to reset and reframe the Games,” read a statement.
While no potential hosts have been disclosed, the CGF stated that they are collaborating with relevant Commonwealth Games Associations (CGA) and have reached mutual agreements.
Additionally, the CGF has extended an offer of £100 million ($126 million) to any host nation willing to stage the 2026 event on short notice.
“Importantly, we have been concentrating on transforming the Games into a collaborative and genuinely sustainable model, aiming to minimise costs and decrease its environmental impact, while enhancing social impact.
Through these efforts, our goal is to establish a modern, adaptable blueprint for the future that motivates athletes, engages International Federations and potential hosts, and serves the broader Commonwealth Sports Movement,” the statement elaborated.
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