Junior Athletics Competitions to serve as a funnel for national team – Bawa Fuseini

Ghana Athletics President Bawa Fuseini has announced junior competitions. These include events in Nigeria and Accra. They will help select athletes for the national team. This is ahead of the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Japan.

Fuseini made the announcement at the Accra Open on Saturday. The event featured athletes of all ages competing in hurdles, sprints, and field disciplines.

He stated that these competitions are great opportunities for young athletes. They can showcase their talent and earn a spot on the national team.

Fuseini outlined Ghana Athletics' plan: “We’ll go to Nigeria for the Africa Junior Championships. Then we’ll organize the West Africa Junior Championships in Accra.” He explained that they had to adjust their schedule due to time constraints and funding issues.

The National Championships in August will be a key event. It is where top-performing athletes will be selected for Japan. However, if local athletes do not meet qualification standards, they will look to foreign-based athletes.

Fuseini emphasized the need for more qualifiers, especially in the 100 meters. “We need three athletes,” he said. If local talent falls short, they will invite foreign-based athletes for trials in Ghana.

This approach mirrors what countries like Nigeria and the USA do. They bring top athletes home before final selections are made. Ghana aims to follow this model as well.