Ghanaians show love for track and field At 13th African Games
Since the Track & Field events of the 13th African Games commenced at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium, the venue has consistently witnessed a full house of enthusiastic spectators.
Even foreign visitors have been impressed by the fervent support shown by fans for their favorite athletes.
However, the much-anticipated performance of national 100 meters record holder, Benjamin Azamati, a University of Ghana product, failed to meet expectations as he finished fifth in the finals of the 100 meters event.
Emmanuel Eseme of CMR clinched the victory in 10.14 seconds, followed by Usheoritse Itsekiri of NGR in second place with a time of 10.23 seconds.
Gilbert Hainuca of NAM secured third place with 10.29 seconds. Consider Ekanem of NGR finished fourth, while Azamati placed fifth with a time of 10.45 seconds.
Azamati’s teammate, Barnabas Aggerh, finished sixth, and Noa Bibi of MRI and Ebrahima Camara of GAM claimed seventh and ninth positions, respectively.
Despite Azamati’s setback, the day witnessed outstanding performances, notably from Rose Yeboah, who soared to victory in the Women’s High Jump with a leap of 1.9 meters. William Amponsah also drew cheers from the crowd during the 10,000 meters race, challenging athletes from Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda. His impressive fifth-place finish set a new national record and provided formidable competition for the East Africans.
Among the jubilant spectators were staff of Medievents Consult, organizers of local Marathon Races, who played a role in Amponsah’s journey to success. William Ezah, CEO of Medievents, a sports editor at Ghana News Agency (GNA), and former General Secretary of the Sports Writers Association (SWAG), expressed optimism about the resurgence of Athletics and predicted that Ghana would produce top stars in the coming years.
Mohammed Shabaan, Secretary-General of the Ghana Cycling Association, highlighted the unity among various sporting disciplines in supporting Team Ghana’s success in Athletics.
He celebrated Ghana’s victories in the 100 x 4 relays for both men and women, with Joe Paul Amoah and Hor Halute delivering exceptional performances on the track.
