The 2026 African Athletics Championships opened in the capital of Ghana, Accra, with world record holder Tobi Amusan headlining the start lists. Day 1 should have been a showcase of continental talent. Instead, it quickly became a case study in how not to stage a major meeting. Performances took a back seat to confusion, technical failures and a level of disorganization that had athletes and media shaking their heads before lunch.
There are social media images showing athletes reviewing races to see what the finish order was: “A chaos fest in Ghana!”
According to one person on X, “Kenya, Botswana, Ethiopia, and South Africa hosted world athletics continental tours this year. The Confederation of African Athletics should explain why these championships are not held in one of these countries, which have proper timing systems.”
A damning indictment of Accra, Ghana
Quite an explosive interview from South African shot putter Aiden Smith on athlete treatment at their hostel at the ongoing African Athletics Championships.
— Fentuo Tahiru Fentuo (@Fentuo_) May 12, 2026
Full interview: https://t.co/mcwOT9UCPz pic.twitter.com/ckZxK5ErJU
Journalists were unable to access basic data. Athletes complained about accommodations that sounded more like a school field trip than an elite championship. Technical issues repeatedly halted the competition. The event was barely underway, and already the conversation had shifted from results to damage control.
Ghanaian journalist Yaw Ofosu did not bother with diplomacy. He called the championships an absolute farce in a post on X. He asked what an athletics meet is without times and how journalists are supposed to tell stories when athletes are crossing the line asking for results and getting silence.
The criticism stung because Ghana had nearly two years to prepare after winning hosting rights over Botswana at the 2024 CAA Congress in Douala, Cameroon. According to Ofosu, the problems went well beyond missing times. He wrote that there was no functioning media centre and that the media tribune was overwhelmed by performers and singers. Reporters could barely hear themselves think, let alone work.
He also pointed to repeated failures with the starting system during the men’s 100 metre heats. The gun malfunctioned several times and disrupted the athletes mid-race. He called it a shame and hoped conditions would improve as the championships continued.
Nigerian journalist and photographer Christopher Maduewesi added his own frustration. Accredited media were reportedly told to buy their own internet data if they wanted to file stories or photos. He noted that even Douala had internet access for journalists, which is not exactly a ringing endorsement of the current situation.
Then came the most damning review of all. South African shot put champion Aiden Smith won gold with a 20.01 metre put, but his performance was overshadowed by his description of the athlete accommodations near the University of Ghana Stadium in Legon. His comments went viral for reasons unrelated to the shot put event.
Smith said he expected a hotel at least. Instead, athletes received sheets and a pillow but no blanket. They were told to bring their own. He described limited access to air conditioning controls, missing toilet paper, inconsistent plumbing and a lack of hot water. He said the tap water does not work.
His sharpest criticism was reserved for the food situation. Smith said athletes had to argue for sufficient meals and that officials restricted portions to a single piece of chicken or fish. He reminded everyone that athletes need to eat and hydrate. He said he normally consumes eight or nine eggs during competition periods and far more during heavy training. At these championships, athletes were reportedly limited to one egg at breakfast.
Despite everything, Smith tried to keep Ghana itself out of the line of fire. He said he loves Ghana and that the country is amazing. He planned to explore it now that his event was finished.
For organizers, the opening day leaves little to celebrate. Instead of headlines about performances, records or emerging stars, the championships are being defined by questions of preparation and professionalism. Athletes and media are asking whether the most basic conditions required to do their jobs were ever in place. The competition will continue, but the narrative has already taken shape, and it is not flattering.
