Anger on social media over controversies at African Athletics Championship

Some social media users have expressed outrage over incidents that have marred Ghana’s hosting of the 2026 African Athletics Championships.

There have been numerous complaints about the lack of official display of athletes’ times after events, which complicates timely reporting by journalists and frustrates fans.

The issue became more concerning when Ghana’s 100m athletes were seen using a device to check their positions, as they were not informed immediately after their races.

Ghana loses men’s 100m final at African Athletics Championships

Another incident occurred when a men’s pole vault athlete’s pole snapped mid-air during an attempt. South African shot put champion Aiden Smith also complained about the meals served and poor conditions at his hostel.

Reacting to these incidents, some individuals expressed disappointment in the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), criticizing the lack of adequate preparation that has exposed organizational shortcomings.

Others fumed that Ghana and by extension West Africa, had embarrassed the continent, calling the situation disgraceful and arguing that the region should be denied future hosting rights.

Some concerned fans stated that the nation should not have pursued hosting rights if it was not fully prepared, fearing that poor organization could affect future bidding opportunities.

Read the reactions below:

What is happening in Ghana ? 😰😰👀👀👀👀👀😰😰😰😰

Ghana should be banned from hosting such events.. pic.twitter.com/nD3sBv3QvQ
— No.1 Fan of Letsile Tebogo (@DiTlamZ) May 13, 2026

Ghana is busy embarrassing the continent and the world of athletics at the African Championships. Absolutely shocking scenes and reviews.
— Lesilo Rula (@kay_mahapa) May 14, 2026

👨🏾‍🍳🇬🇭: Can we call off the games? I thought the All African games were a disaster but this is a whole new discovery.

This country dey fit fall my hand too much. Aow Yehowa Zibaut!
— Ölele Salvador🦅🇬🇭 (@OleleSalvador) May 13, 2026

Lmao chale cancel the event! This be how dem dey check who came first and what not? 😂😂😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/A2Oq0MjQRz
— Kwadwo Sheldon (@kwadwosheldon) May 13, 2026

Athletes going through various footages of the men's 100m to determine the medallists at the 2026 African Championships.

A chaos fest in Ghana!pic.twitter.com/458gR7tbEF
— Track & Field Gazette (@TrackGazette) May 13, 2026

Our sports ministry and the organizers of the event are a big disgrace
— Joshua -_- (@03_kwabena) May 13, 2026

Ghana and most West African countries are so comfortable with being mediocre. This is embarrassing. Ghana should focus on improving their infrastructure instead of being Trump's lapdog and lying about South Africa
— Leigh🇿🇦 (@TeighLily) May 14, 2026

This kantry ankasa de3, ooo y3n3 serious baako baako sei😂😂😂
— nanakay (@nanakay_joe) May 13, 2026

Failures, Been independent for 60+ years yet you fail to host a simple track event. 🤦🏿‍♂️🤦🏿‍♂️
— Extra_M (@extra_mfundo) May 14, 2026

Nxxn...This is embarrassing, imagine Sky Sports showing this! Hence why white people don't take us serious! This reflects all of Africa as a dysfunctional continent that can even host a sports event! I'm so pissed 😡
— Meciah🐃🇿🇦✌️👹 (@VhoMeciah) May 14, 2026