African senior athletics championships to hold in Accra from may 12–17, 2026

The Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) has confirmed that the 24th African Senior Athletics Championships will take place in Accra, Ghana, from Tuesday, May 12, to Sunday, May 17, 2026, formally setting the timeline for the continent’s premier track and field event, Sport360NG reports.

The confirmation was announced by Ghana Athletics in a statement on Wednesday, following formal approval from the Minister for Sports and Recreation and the CAA, reaffirming Ghana’s position as host nation.

According to the competition programme released by Ghana Athletics, preparatory activities will begin ahead of the championships, with the arrival of CAA administrators and technical officials scheduled for May 8, 2026. Members of the CAA Council are expected in Accra on May 9, while the council meeting and the arrival of participating teams are set for May 10.

A technical meeting will be held on May 11, one day before the start of competition, which will see athletes from across the continent begin their campaigns on May 12. The championships will conclude on May 17, with all delegations expected to depart Accra on May 18.

Ghana Athletics noted that the dates were finalised in consultation with the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, taking into account the academic calendar of the University of Ghana, Legon. The university will be on vacation during the championships and is also due to host an international students’ athletics event earlier in May.

The Minister for Sports and Recreation is expected to officially welcome members of the CAA Council and deliver a keynote address ahead of the competitive programme.

Meanwhile, the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Ghana and the CAA is scheduled for on or before January 8, 2026, subject to the availability of the Sports Minister. The Local Organising Committee for Accra 2026 is also set to be inaugurated on Thursday.

The championships are expected to attract Africa’s top athletes and officials, with Accra set to become the focal point of African athletics when competition begins in May 2026.