The partnership will see Hoshii power athletes, fans, and volunteers across all major Accra 2026 events headlining the continental mega event slated for May 12-17 at the University of Ghana Stadium, Legon.

Kofi Iddie Adams, Minister of Sports and Recreation, welcomed the deal, pointing out that the continental showpiece is about performance on and off the field.

“This commitment by Hoshii ensures that our athletes are fueled, our fans are energized, and the event meets global standards. Our doors remain open for more sponsors to join and make this championship a historic and successful one,” Hon Adams said.

The Minister also encouraged corporate entities in Ghana to support sports events and promised tax deduction incentives for companies that contribute to sports development programs across the country.

Ghana Athletics (GA) President Fuseini Bawah, on his part expressed deep appreciation for Hoshii’s support ahead of the competition for Africa’s elite track and field stars.

“We are grateful to Hoshii International for stepping up. Their support with products like Instant Rice and X1 Energy Drink, plus their visibility drive at the stadium, will go a long way to make this championship successful,” he said.

“This is what we mean when we talk about Corporate Ghana supporting sports development.”

Mr. Fuseni added that the backing aligns with a broader goal of giving athletes international-standard support on home soil.

“Athletics demands energy, focus, and endurance. Having a partner that understands that and invests in it helps our athletes compete at their best,” the GA chief stressed.

Hoshii International Executive Director, Ivy Udanoh affirmed the brand’s commitment to supporting Ghanaian sports and athletes.

“Ghana is the heartbeat of African sport. We’re here to fuel performance and power every moment — from the first whistle to the last dance. This is day one for us in athletics, but it won’t be the last,” she assured.

The 6-day championships are expected to draw top talent from across Africa, with Hoshii’s branded flags, product displays, and athlete support set to be visible throughout Legon Stadium. Officials say partnerships like this are key to delivering a world-class event and inspiring the next generation of Ghanaian.

A high-level delegation from SWAG, led by President Kwabena Yeboah, met with the Minister to discuss strategies for boosting Ghana’s sports development.

The delegation included Vice President Evelyn Nsiah Asare, General Secretary Charles Osei Asibey, Deputy General Secretary Kenneth Odeng Adade, Treasurer Owuraku Nsiah, and Women’s Commissioner Mavis Amanor.

SWAG, established in 1968, boasts over 1,000 members, including sports journalists, photojournalists, content creators, and presenters, and is an active member of the International Sports Press Federation (AIPS).

During the meeting, Yeboah commended Adams for his open-door policy, which has enabled stakeholders to contribute to the sector. He highlighted the Minister’s support for Ghana’s participation at the AIPS congress in Gambia, which garnered international recognition and underscored sports’ economic potential for Africa.

The discussion focused on the historic sports fund initiated by Adams, with Yeboah urging increased publicity and support for its growth, emphasizing grassroots development and the need to nurture sports beyond football.

Mr Adams appreciated SWAG’s role in shaping the sector’s future and committed to collaborating on training modules for sports journalists, recognizing the media’s pivotal role in promoting sports.

The Minister called for a unified effort to develop Ghana’s sports infrastructure and harness sports as a tool for national development, highlighting opportunities in the media space to attract investors and foster local talent.

This engagement marks a significant step forward in elevating Ghana’s sports industry, with SWAG and the Ministry working together to propel Ghanaian sports globally.

Credit: Elizabeth Alhassan 

The Ghana Police Service athletics team emerged as the strongest senior relay team, winning the 4x200m and 4x800m events, and taking third place in the 4x100m. KNUST’s team put up an impressive performance, winning the 4x100m male and female categories, with their ladies’ team surprising many with their skills.

The championship featured athletes from multiple age categories, including Under-15, Under-18/20, and Seniors, each showcasing impressive speed and teamwork. The event was structured to highlight both young talent and seasoned athletes, with a focus on precision, timing, and coordination.

Seedafrique, the event’s organizers, commended the athletes, coaches, and partners for their contributions to the championship’s success. They also expressed gratitude to Dr. Timothy Mensah and the KNUST sports Directorate for hosting the event at Paa Joe Stadium.

The event’s success marks a significant milestone for Ghana’s athletics scene, and Seedafrique looks forward to further elevating the standards of competitive athletics in the country.

Credit: Accra Daily Post 

The standout performances come in the men’s 60m, where Ghana boasts impressive depth:

• Saminu Abdul-Rasheed clocked a blistering 6.54 seconds (a personal best and world-leading mark at the time, achieved at the Jarvis Scott Invitational in Lubbock, Texas), comfortably under the qualifying standard of 6.59s.
• Barnabas Kobby Asante Aggerh hit 6.57s.
• Mustapha Alufar Bopkin posted 6.59s.

These times place all three among the global elite on current performance lists, highlighting Ghana’s growing sprint powerhouse status.

Adding to the momentum, Evonne Britton qualified in the women’s 60m hurdles with a strong 7.99 seconds.

Evonne Fatimah Britton is an American-born athlete who has represented Ghana in hurdling since 2024, after officially transferring her allegiance from the United States in April 2024.

In 2010, she won silver in the 400 metres hurdles at the World U20 Championships. Since 2015, Britton has focused on the short hurdles, where she finished runner-up at the USA Indoor Track and Field Championships.

Two years after switching nationality to represent Ghana, Britton competed for the country for the first time internationally in Yaoundé, Cameroon, at the African Senior Athletics Championships, which were held in Douala, Cameroon.

This quartet’s achievements signal Ghana’s readiness to compete against the world’s best indoors, building on recent outdoor successes and carrying national pride under the Black Star.

With the championships just weeks away, Team Ghana is poised to make waves in Poland.

Credit: Ghana Athletics 

It was not only a season’s best but also a lifetime best for Ghana’s men’s 100m record holder.

For Saminu, who turned professional this season, the time comfortably meets the qualifying standard for the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Pomerze, Poland.

From the crack of the gun, the Olympian was razor-sharp with a crisp reaction, aggressive drive phase, and a decisive top-end speed in a high-calibre international field. The 28-year-old former University of South Florida student looked every inch a man ready to take his talent onto the global stage.

It was the headline performance of a strong showing by the Ghanaian contingent, who delivered across multiple disciplines in Texas.

James Dadzie continued his steady indoor progression with a solid 6.62 in the men’s 60m, adding further depth to Ghana’s sprint arsenal.

On the women’s side, Anita Afrifa posted a competitive 7.43 seconds in a quality 60m field, laying a strong foundation ahead of the outdoor campaign.

In the women’s 200m, Deborah Acheampong showed her finishing speed with a rapid 23.95 seconds, while Asana Hamish posted 24.71 and Sandra Appiah followed in 25.24. All three gained valuable race sharpness against quality opposition.

Hamish returned in the women’s 400m to record 54.70 seconds, with Appiah clocking 55.49 — solid runs that lay a strong aerobic and speed-endurance base for the months ahead.

Versatility and power

William Opare produced one of the meet’s most impressive doubles, running 21.28 seconds in the 200m before returning to clock 47.67 in the 400m, a demonstration of both speed and stamina.

Benjamin Nsiah, meanwhile, caught the eye in the men’s 400m with a powerful 46.45 seconds, a time that hints at a genuine championship pedigree if he continues on this trajectory.

Ghana’s middle-distance runners also laid down competitive markers. Mercy Angaamchaab ran a composed 2:10.81 minutes in the women’s 800m, combining tactical discipline with strength.

Promising star Vanee Anchike clocked 4:48.91 minutes in the women’s mile race, while William Amponsah continued his dominance in long-distance events after posting 14:09.96 minutes in the men’s 5000m to build a solid endurance platform early in the season.

In the hurdles, Doris Quainoo impressed with an 8.23 metres in the women’s 60m hurdles, showing technical assurance over the barriers. Joshua Taylor followed with 7.83 in the men’s event as he sharpens his rhythm.

Credit: Graphic Sports 

With the Ghana Olympic Committee on board, pledging full support for the Local Organising Committee (LOC), Ghana is poised to deliver a world-class championship.

“We’re focused on delivery, and we’re ready to welcome the continent,” said officials, echoing the nation’s enthusiasm.

Over 1,000 athletes and officials from across Africa will converge on Accra, showcasing top-notch athletics and inspiring a new generation of Ghanaians.

Ghana Athletics President Bawah Fuseini is confident of surpassing the organisational standards set during the 2023 African Games.

The LOC, led by GCB Bank Managing Director Farihan Alhassan, is working tirelessly with CAA President Hamad Kalkaba Malboum, the National Sports Authority, and technical teams to make Accra 2026 unforgettable.

“Ghana is ready to shine”.

Credit: Elizabeth Alhassan 

The Minister, after delivering his opening remarks, had the honour of serving as Start Referee, ceremonially flagging off the 5KM and 21KM races featuring thousands of people that coursed through the heart of Accra. His presence highlighted government’s continued support for initiatives that promote preventive health, youth empowerment, and sports tourism.

In his keynote address, Hon. Kofi Adams highlighted the remarkable evolution of the Millennium Marathon over the past decade, celebrating its international recognition and consistent impact since its inception in 2015.

He applauded the organisers for their vision and resilience in building a platform that has not only promoted healthy living but also unearthed exceptional talents like William Amponsah.

The Minister described Amponsah’s rise from a local participant to a silver medalist at the African Games, as a testament to what Ghanaian athletes can achieve when given structured opportunities and national support.

Hon. Adams went further to challenge organisers and stakeholders to extend the marathon’s reach across all regions, ensuring broader participation and deeper community engagement.

He used the platform to reinforce government’s renewed focus on sports as a development tool, citing key pillars such as the revival of school sports, investment in infrastructure, and the establishment of a School Sports Agency.

He stressed that sport is no longer just about competition, but a catalyst for job creation, youth empowerment, and economic growth and must therefore be fully integrated into Ghana’s national development strategy.

The Minister also took the opportunity to spotlight the soon-to-be-launched National Recreation and Wellness Programme. This initiative, set to kick off later this month, aims to institutionalize monthly fitness events across all regions promoting wellness, eco-tourism, and community bonding.

The 10th Millennium Marathon served as a powerful prelude to this vision; affirming that wellness is not just personal, but national.

Credit: Ministry of Sports and Recreation.

The 2025 edition of the KGL Millennium Marathon held in Accra on Saturday, drew thousands of runners and spectators from across the country and beyond.

The marathon was not only a celebration of athletic excellence but also a significant milestone for the KGL Foundation, the corporate social responsibility (CSR) arm of the KGL Group, as it marked its 5th anniversary.

The event, which has become one of Ghana’s premier road races in the last three years, brought together professional athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and philanthropists to champion the causes of health, youth empowerment, and social impact — core pillars of the KGL Foundation’s mission.

Elliot Dadey, CEO of the KGL Foundation, expressed immense pride in the foundation’s journey and achievements over the past five years.

“This marathon is more than just a race; it is a celebration of the values we stand for. To be honest, it’s been an amazing journey. I think we started from nothing really and then eventually we kind of started expanding. Currently, we [KGL Foundation] are now working in every single region of the country”, the CEO remarked on the foundation’s journey so far. ”

Speaking about the event he added, “I knew it would be a big thing. I didn’t really see it becoming this big, it feels like something huge, not just in Ghana but even in Africa. We don’t really see such events too often, so it’s really been amazing to see the crowd and all the people joining the foundation to celebrate this milestone”.

Participants took part in various race categories, including the 5km, 10km, and the flagship 21km half-marathon. The event also featured health screenings, aerobics sessions, and a vibrant post-race celebration at Independence Square, where the foundation highlighted its achievements and future projects.

The 2025 KGL Millennium Marathon not only promoted physical fitness and healthy lifestyles but also served as a platform to raise awareness and funds for the foundation’s ongoing programs across the country.

As the KGL Foundation looks toward the future, Mr. Dadey reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to expanding its reach and deepening its impact.

“We’re just getting started,” he noted.

“The next five years promise even greater partnerships and initiatives that will uplift more Ghanaian communities.”

The marathon concluded with the presentation of medals and prizes to top finishers, as well as commendations for sponsors, volunteers, and partner organizations who helped make the event a resounding success.

Credit: Michael Obeng

The historic marathon also served as a mega event to celebrate the 5th anniversary of the KGL Foundation, the CSR arm of the KGL Group.

The event included a 21km long race and a 5km short race for both men and women. The two races were contested by athletes from predominantly Ghana, and other top long-distance runners from other parts of Africa.

The race also saw a record number of athletes including professional athletes, casual runners, senior high school students, and notable dignitaries within the country compete not just for prizes, but also to boost fitness.

Both races began at the forecourt of Access Bank, Osu Oxford Street Branch as early as 5:30 am, with athletes competing in the 5km event racing through the streets of Parliament House, through to the Ridge Roundabout to the National Theatre before finishing at the Black Star Square.

The 21km runners began at the same starting point, but used a much longer route through Cantoments and other parts of Accra before finishing at the Black Star Square.

Kenya maintained its reputation as the producer of the best long-distance runners with its athletes finishing first to third in both categories of the 21km race.

Gilbert Kiprotich grabbed gold with a time of 1:00:59, while his compatriots Alfred Cherunoi (1:01:04), and Paul Eyanae (1:02:12), finished second and third respectively.

In the 21km women’s marathon, Kenya’s Hympha Kiteta placed first with a time of 1:07:42. Lucy Ndambuki crossed the finish line with a time of 1:10:25 to place second while Eupke Muchiri finished third with a time of 1:13:00.

Ghana showed its prowess in the 5km race with its athletes dominating in both categories. Abotsi Daniel Gawuga, Emmanuel Kwatey, and Germain K. Dzorgbesi all finished first, second, and third respectively.

In the women’s category Anai Jennifer, Tuolong Rener, and Bramah Rabiatu, all grabbed gold, silver, and bronze respectively.

CEO of the KGL Foundation, Elliot Dadey, extolled the success of the marathon while also acknowledging the growth of the Foundation as it celebrates its 5th anniversary.

“To be honest it’s been an amazing journey. I think we started from nothing really and then eventually we kind of started expanding. Currently, we [KGL Foundation] are now working in every single region of the country”, the CEO remarked on the foundation’s journey so far.

Speaking about the event he added, “I knew it would be a big thing. I didn’t really see it becoming this big, it feels like something huge, not just in Ghana but even in Africa. We don’t really see such events too often, so it’s really been amazing to see the crowd and all the people joining the foundation to celebrate this milestone”.

The Director General of the National Sports Authority, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, represented at the event while racing in the 5km.

Speaking after the marathon the NSA Director General lauded the efforts of the KGL foundation and the success of the marathon, assuring participants of a much bigger event in the coming years.

The winners of the various events were awarded trophies and cash prizes from the KGL Foundation.

The KGL Foundation, website: [www.kglfoundation.org], the CSR arm, and the heartbeat of the KGL Group continue to show love and affection to marginalized Ghanaian communities through Sports, Health, Arts and Culture, Youth Empowerment, and Educational programs.

Credit: Michael Obeng

Led by Dr. Eric Kwame Adae, the founder of the Absa Black Star Marathon, the team aimed to update Mr. Deen on the preparations for the upcoming event scheduled for July 26, 2025.

During the visit, Dr. Adae and his team provided a comprehensive briefing on various aspects of the marathon, including logistical arrangements, promotional strategies, and the expected participation turnout.

“I’m pleased to report that about 60 para athletes, both men and women, have registered for the event,” Mr. Adae announced proudly.

The meeting created a vital platform to explore potential collaborations and share a mutual vision to elevate the event’s impact on the broader sports community. A key highlight of the visit was the formal invitation extended to Mr. Deen to attend the marathon.

As a respected figure in African sports and a tireless advocate for disability inclusion, Samson Deen’s presence at the marathon is expected to lend credibility and inspire both able-bodied and para athletes alike.

“Inclusion is not charity—it is justice. When every athlete, regardless of ability, is given a lane to run, the finish line becomes a victory for humanity. I will always stand where every voice is heard, and every dream has a chance to race,” Samson Deen said.

The Absa Black Star Marathon continues to grow in popularity and prestige, thanks to its mission to unite athletes, promote wellness, and inspire community engagement. This visit underscores the organizers’ commitment to strategic stakeholder engagement and inclusive participation.

With just days to go, preparations are in full swing. The organizing team is working diligently to ensure a seamless, impactful event that will mark another milestone in Ghana’s sporting history.

Registration for the 2025 Absa Black Star Marathon remains open. Interested participants can register by dialing *713*33*22#.

Credit: National Paralympic Committee