GOC REPORT: COMMONWEALTH GAMES FEDERATION (CGF) MEETING IN ACCRA
The Ghana Olympics Committee (GOC) report on the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) meeting in Accra, Ghana. The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) successfully held its 2024 Regional Meeting on the 16th and 17th of March, 2024, at the Lancaster Hotel in Accra, Ghana. The high-profile event brought together key stakeholders from across the Commonwealth sporting community, focusing on strategic discussions and strengthening collaboration between member countries in Africa.
A delegation from the CGF arrived in Ghana on the 15th of March, 2024, ahead of the two-day meeting. The delegation comprised distinguished leaders including the CGF President, Dr. Chris Jenkins OBE, Vice President Dr. Don Rukare, Regional Vice President Colonel Botsang Tshenyego, CEO Katie Sadleir, and the Regional Manager for Africa and Europe, Ms. Ezera Tshabangu.
Representatives from all 24 Commonwealth Games Associations (CGAs) in Africa attended the meeting, with each country represented by the President of its CGA. Additionally, notable dignitaries such as Nigeria’s Sports and Development Minister, Senator John Enoh, and Permanent Secretaries for Sports from six African countries were present, underlining the significance of the gathering.
The meeting was officially opened by Ghana’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon. Mustapha Ussif, who emphasized Ghana’s commitment to advancing the goals of the Commonwealth Games Federation and fostering unity through sports.
One of the highlights of the event was a Strategic Workshop held on the 17th of March, 2024. The workshop focused on identifying hosting strategies for African nations interested in organizing future Commonwealth Games events, programs, and initiatives. The session facilitated in-depth discussions on key opportunities and challenges, aiming to empower African countries to take a more active role in the global sporting arena.
The CGF delegation also engaged in several significant engagements during their visit. They paid a courtesy call on the Ga Mantse, the traditional leader of the Ga people, at his palace and also met with the Minister for Sports at his office. These visits underscored the cultural and institutional collaboration underpinning the Commonwealth movement in Africa.
The 2024 CGF Regional Meeting in Accra proved to be a landmark occasion, fostering dialogue, unity, and strategic planning among the Commonwealth’s African members while strengthening the foundation for future sporting successes.