Board Chairman of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Dr. Fred Awaah, has urged Ghanaian athletes to take advantage of the upcoming African Senior Athletics Championship and dream big to lift the flag of Ghana high when competing at international competitions.

He made the call during the maiden edition of the Ghana Masters Athletics Championship held on January 9, 2026 at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.

The historic championship was organized by Ghana Masters Athletics Association in collaboration with Royal Sports Arena and the Ashanti Regional Directorate of the National Sports Authority.

The event brought together athletes aged 35 years and above to compete across multiple age categories up to 70 years and beyond, deepening the core message of physical activity and competitive sport remaining relevant and beneficial in everyone’s life.

Addressing participants and the public, Dr. Awaah commended the athletes for their commitment to fitness and competition, describing the championship as a significant step in promoting lifelong sports participation in Ghana.

He encouraged the athletes to see the platform not only as a means of staying active but also as an opportunity to prepare for international master’s competitions and represent the country with pride.

In addition, he revealed Ghana is set to host the 24th edition of the African Athletics Championship in May 2026 where elite athletes from across Africa compete for medals.

The NSA board chair thus wants Ghanaian athletes to always aim at uplifting the image of Ghana by competing keenly at international competitions to win laurels.

The President of the Ghana Masters Athletics Association, Seth Panwun Boyoyo, addressing participants, highlighted the vision behind the championship and the association’s commitment to creating opportunities for older athletes to remain competitive and visible within the sporting landscape.

The maiden Ghana Masters Athletics Championship marked an important milestone for masters athletics in the country, with organizers and participants expressing optimism about its growth and future editions.