The Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) has approved the date for the 2026 African Senior Athletics Championships in Accra, Ghana.
The continental track and field event will begin on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, and end on Sunday, May 17, 2026.
Ghana will host the championships following formal clearance from the CAA and the country’s Ministry of Sports and Recreation.
Securing of Hosting Rights
Ghana Athletics confirmed the development on Wednesday in an official statement.
The federation said it received written approval from both the CAA and the Sports Minister, clearing the way for final preparations.
Accra will host Africa’s top athletes for the first time in several years, positioning Ghana as a major athletics hub.
Arrival Schedule and Key Meetings
Preparations will begin days before competition starts.
CAA administrators and technical officials will arrive in Accra on May 8, 2026.
Members of the CAA Council will follow on May 9, while participating teams will begin arriving on May 10.
Officials will hold a technical meeting on May 11, one day before the opening events.
Competition Timeline
Athletes from across Africa will compete from May 12 to May 17, 2026.
All delegations are expected to depart Accra on May 18, after the closing ceremony.
University of Ghana Considerations
Ghana Athletics said organisers chose the dates after consulting the Ministry of Sports and Recreation.
The University of Ghana, Legon, will be on vacation during the championships.
The university will also host an international students’ athletics event earlier in May.
MoU and Local Organising Committee
Ghana and the CAA plan to sign a Memorandum of Understanding on or before January 8, 2026.
The Sports Minister is expected to officially welcome CAA officials during the championships.
Meanwhile, organisers will inaugurate the Local Organising Committee for Accra 2026 this week.
Accra Prepares for Continental Spotlight
The championships will bring together Africa’s leading athletes, coaches, and officials.
With the date now fixed, attention shifts to logistics, facilities, and athlete readiness ahead of Accra 2026.
