It was extremely beautiful as huge number of people gathered at the Bukom boxing arena in Accra for the grand opening ceremony of the African Para Games 2023.
Ghana’s Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif spoke to the audience at the Ceremony before to the historic Games, while Samson Deen, Chairman of the African Paralympic Committee, also gave a speech.
President of the International Paralympic Committee Andrew Parsons, other dignitaries and the media came in their numbers to ensure the success of the program.
The Ghana’s minister of youth and sports took the opportunity to share his excitements to see Ghana host such a great and historic event that has brought Africans together. In his speech, he said the the event should go beyond sports and be a purposeful vehicle to promote social inclusiveness and a tool to eliminate discrimination stigma against people with disabilities.
“Let’s use the African Para Games Accra 2023 As a Vehicle to Promote Social Inclusion and Help Eliminate Social Stigma Against People with Disabilities.” he said.
For many years now, there has been uncountable instances of discrimination and stigma of all forms against people with disabilities which does not help their development. Especially in African societies, this is common at workplaces, homes and even at churches.
The honorable minister believes this event which has brought many people with disabilities across the African continent to showcase their various talents is the best opportunity to propagate this compelling message to the world.
According to him, the event should not be seen as the usual games but also be a reminder of the United Nations convention on the rights of people with disabilities which seeks to promote, protect and ensure fundamental human rights.
Chairman of the African Paralympic committee, Mr. Samson Dean was full of excitement to see the first event Para games taking place in Ghana thirty-six years the game started on the African continent.
In his speech, he extended his profound gratitude to the president of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Addo Danquah Akufo Addo, the minister of youth sports, honorable Mustapha Ussif and all attendees for their immense support to make this happen.
