Ghana Hosts 2026 African Senior Athletics Championships: Men’s 100m Trio Leads Qualification on Dramatic Opening Day

Ghana officially opened its hosting of the 2026 African Senior Athletics Championships at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium with a blend of triumph and heartbreak for the home nation. On the first day of competition, May 12, the Ghanaian men’s sprint team delivered a strong statement as the trio of Joseph Paul Amoah, Edwin Gadayi, and Abdul-Rasheed Saminu all successfully navigated their heats to secure places in the 100m semi-finals. This performance has significantly boosted the nation's medal prospects as Ghana hosts this prestigious continental event for the first time, turning the University of Ghana stadium into a focal point of African athletics excellence.

The qualification of the men's 100m sprinters was the highlight of the morning session. Edwin Gadayi was the first to secure his spot, followed by the nation’s premier sprinter, Joseph Paul Amoah, and Abdul-Rasheed Saminu. Amoah and Saminu both finished second in their respective heats, trailing behind Cameroon’s Emmanuel Eseme and Nigeria’s Chidera Ezeakor, respectively. Gadayi also delivered a robust performance to finish among the leaders in his heat, ensuring that all three of Ghana's top entries in the blue-ribbon event remain in contention for the finals. Their progression sets the stage for a highly anticipated semi-final round scheduled for later the same evening.

Leading the home charge is Joseph Paul Amoah, whose journey from Prempeh College to becoming an Olympic flagbearer has made him an inspirational figure in Ghanaian sports. Amoah, who holds the national 200m record and was only the fourth Ghanaian to run a sub-10 second 100m, entered the championships as a major favorite. His transition from an aspiring footballer to a decorated international sprinter includes a gold medal in the 200m at the 2023 African Games and academic success at Coppin State University. As the captain of the Ghanaian team, his presence on the track is seen as a crucial morale booster for the home squad.

However, the opening day was not without its challenges for Team Ghana. In the women’s 100m, Janet Mensah suffered a disappointing exit after being disqualified in Heat One. Following an initial false start where she was spared, Mensah failed to leave the blocks when the starting bell rang on the second attempt, leaving the athlete visibly distraught as she departed the track. While some other Ghanaian female sprinters struggled to reach the finals, there was a glimmer of hope as one female athlete won her heat to advance. In the men’s 400m hurdles, Seidu Mammoudou Baba finished second in his heat with a determined run, though it was ultimately not enough to secure a place in the subsequent round.

The 2026 African Senior Athletics Championships will continue through May 17, featuring top-tier talent from across the continent, including a dominant Nigerian contingent that led several women’s heats. For Ghana, the focus now shifts to the 100m semi-finals and the upcoming relay events, where the home team traditionally excels. As the competition progresses, the nation looks to build on the momentum of its male sprinters while navigating the high-pressure environment of hosting Africa's elite athletes for this historic sporting event.