Sports Minister, Kofi Adams
Mr Kofi Iddie Adams, the Minister of Sports and Recreation, on Thursday, July 3, 2025, officially opened the second edition of the African AirBadminton Championship held at the Laboma Beach Resort.
The event brought together coaches, emperors and top-tier athletes from 11 countries across the continent of Africa.
Participating countries include Burkina Faso, Togo, Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa, Mauritius, Ivory Coast, Equatorial Guinea, Benin, Central African Republic and host Ghana.
In his keynote address, Mr Adams said the event would mark a significant milestone in Ghana’s efforts to elevate the profile of AirBadminton.
“This occasion speaks for itself. I know by the end of mid-August, we will have had about 78 nations and 351 athletes spending 21 days in elite competition in both Air-Badminton and badminton itself. Ghana is ready not just to participate in global sports but to lead in hosting competitions and sport tourism.”
He commended the Ghana Badminton Association (GBA) for organising the second edition of the African AirBadminton Championship.
He said, “An event of this magnitude does not happen by chance. I want to commend the GBA, the Local Organising Committee, our partners and sponsors for their outstanding work in delivering what promises to be a world-class tournament; your vision and commitment is placing Ghana firmly on the global sporting map.”
“For our visiting athletes, coaches and officials, Ghana welcomes you firmly. During your stay, I encourage you to explore our country, visit our historic landmarks and experience our vibrant culture,” Mr Adams remarked.
Mr Bau Tukebana Micheal, the President of Badminton Confederation Africa, said this version of badminton has gotten significant attention and that it has developed faster than expected.
He said, “Badminton has grown progressively all over the world, and I can assure you that in a few years to come, AirBadminton will be more popular than the normal one.”
Mr Richard Akpokavie, the President of the Ghana Olympic Committee, urged athletes to maintain discipline in order to achieve their goal.
He said, “As you stay here, the three values I can leave you with are excellence, respect and friendship.”
Mr Yeboah Evans, the President of GBA, thanked the participating teams and urged them to make themselves and their country proud.
He said, “On behalf of the GBA, I thank all the participating countries, and I encourage you people to represent your respective countries as well as sportsmen and women with integrity.”
“We believe that we must apply the knowledge we gain here to achieve the valuable success we aspire to.”
