The Accra 2023 Organising Committee has called on Ghanaians to support the Qualification to Podium initiative ©Getty Images

The Accra 2023 Organising Committee has urged citizens to support its "Qualification to Podium" initiative in an attempt to contribute to the African Union's (AU) Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want plan.

The AU's aim is to transform Africa into a global powerhouse by prioritising all-inclusive social, economic and democratic development, with sport being one of the key factors involved.

The upcoming African Games, scheduled to run from August 4 to 19 next year, in the Ghanaian capital, is hoped to be a crucial chance to further the country's sporting potential.

It is agreed by the AU and Organising Committee that there is an absence of high-level infrastructure for athletes in Ghana.

"It would be essential for patriotic Africans especially Ghanaians to realise the importance of Ghana hosting the African Games," an Accra 2023 statement read.

"In view of this, whoever thinks otherwise is telling all Africans that the Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want should not be realised.

"We call on all Ghanaians to support the Organising Committee's Q2P (Qualification to Podium) initiative which will not only restore Ghana’s position as a force to be reckoned with in the sporting world but also, position Ghana as a major contributor to achieving African Union's Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want." 

Due to Accra's hosting of the African Games next year, upgrades are taking place on the University of Ghana Stadium, pictured, and the Borteyman Sports Complex ©Consar
Due to Accra's hosting of the African Games next year, upgrades are taking place on the University of Ghana Stadium, pictured, and the Borteyman Sports Complex ©Consar

Upgrades are due to take place to the University of Ghana Stadium, due to host athletics competitions, and the Borteyman Sports Complex, which is expected to host as many as 11 sports during the African Games.

This is hoped to "enable Ghana to achieve the Ghana we want" and feed into Agenda 2063.

"The 2023 African Games gives Ghana the opportunity to provide these world class facilities to address its sporting infrastructure deficiencies," continued the statement.

"It would also give the opportunity to add value to the raw talents and assist in the capacity building of technical and management officials.

"By hosting the Games, Ghana gets the opportunity to promote peace, development and unity in Africa.

"Hence, contributing its quota in achieving the African Union's Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want."

Ghana is currently heavily in debt and last week a $3 billion (£2.5 billion/€2.8 billion) bailout had to be agreed with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to help stabilise the economy.