The Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) has confirmed the 24th African Senior Athletics Championships. The event will take place in Accra, Ghana, starting Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
Ghana Athletics issued the announcement following formal approval from the Sports and Recreation Minister and the CAA. The championships will run until Sunday, May 17, 2026, firmly establishing Ghana as the host nation.
Preparations will begin ahead of the competition, with CAA administrators and technical officials arriving on May 8, 2026. CAA Council members are scheduled to arrive on May 9, followed by council meetings and participating teams on May 10.
A technical meeting will be held on May 11, one day before competition begins. Athletes from across Africa will officially start competing on May 12, marking the opening of the continent’s premier track and field event.
The championships are set to conclude on May 17, with teams departing Accra on May 18, 2026. Ghana Athletics confirmed that the dates were chosen in consultation with the Ministry of Sports and Recreation and the University of Ghana.
The timing aligns with the university’s vacation schedule, ensuring no conflict with its international student athletics event earlier in May.
The Ghana Sports Minister will officially welcome CAA council members and deliver a keynote address before the competition phase begins.
A Memorandum of Understanding between Ghana and the CAA is expected to be signed by January 8, 2026. The Local Organising Committee for Accra 2026 was inaugurated this week.
Accra is set to become the hub of African athletics, hosting the continent’s leading athletes and officials during the championship.
