Joseph Paul Amoah, Abdul-Rasheed Saminu Lead Ghana’s Charge at African Athletics Championships

WRITTEN BY JOSHUA NARH

The 2026 edition of the African Athletics Championships officially begins today at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium, with Joseph Paul Amoah and Ghana’s national 100m record holder, Abdul-Rasheed Saminu leading the host nations team of 17 athletes into competition.

Saminu, currently regarded as Ghana’s fastest man, will compete in the men’s 100 metres alongside Joseph Paul Amoah and Edwin Gadayi as Team Ghana looks to make a strong start on home soil.

The opening day of the championships is expected to deliver intense competition across several track and field events, including the men’s 100 metre heats and semi-finals, women’s 100 metre semi-finals, and the men’s and women’s 400 metres races.

Athletes will also compete in the men’s 800 metres, while the women’s discus and shot put finals are scheduled as part of a packed Day One programme.

Beyond the established stars, the championships will also spotlight Ghana’s emerging athletics talents, particularly at the senior high school level.

Among the young athletes expected to attract attention is Portia Nkrumah of Sammo SHS, who emerged as the overall best female athlete at the 2025 Ashanti Regional Super Zonal Athletics competition.

Several other young competitors from schools in Kumasi are also expected to feature as Ghana continues to build its next generation of track and field athletes.

Officials anticipate a lively atmosphere throughout the week as fans gather to witness Africa’s biggest athletics competition on Ghanaian soil.

The championships will run from May 12 to May 17 and are expected to host more than 1,500 athletes and 500 officials from about 54 countries competing across 44 disciplines.