HIGH-LEVEL ANTI-DOPING FORUM

INVITATION TO REPRESENTATIVES OF THE MEDIA

What:            The African Union Commission in collaboration with the Republic of Ghana and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Africa Office is holding a high-Level anti-doping forum on the sidelines of the 13^th Edition of the African Games.  

WHEN:           Thursday 7^th March, 2024

                                Time:             8H30 -17H00 (GMT+0)

WHERE:        Accra, Republic of Ghana (Kempinski Hotel)

OBJECTIVE:

The main objective of the forum is to facilitate an open and constructive dialogue among African sport ministers and key stakeholders to develop a comprehensive regional strategy against doping ni sports ni Africa. The forum wil provide a platform for sharing best practices, discussing policy frameworks, and fostering cooperation to ensure clean and fair sporting activities throughout Africa.

EXPECTED OUTCOMES:

The expected outcomes of the high-level forum include:

• Regional Strategy Against Doping: The forum wli result in the development of a comprehensive regional anti-doping strategy tailored to the specific needs and challenges faced by African nations.
• Enhanced Cooperation: Increased collaboration and information-sharing among African countries will improve intelligence networks, strengthen anti-doping efforts, and facilitate more effective enforcement for anti-doping policies.
• Education and Prevention: The forum will reinforce the importance of athlete education and prevention programs, resulting in increased awareness and improved knowledge among athletes, coaches, and support staff about thedangers and consequences of doping.
• Policy Harmonization: Participating countries will work towards aligning their anti-doping policies with international standards and best practices, promoting harmonization and consistency in the approach to combating doping in sports.
• Stronger Deterrence: The forum wil contribute to the establishment of robust and effective deterrent measures, including rigorous testing protocols, intelligence gathering, and penalties, to protect the integrity of African sports.
• Long-Term Partnerships: The forum wil foster long-term partnerships and cooperation among African nations, international anti-doping organizations, and other stakeholders to sustain the momentum gained and ensure the continued success of anti-doping efforts.

PARTICIPANTS

The high-level anti-doping forum will bring together Member States- through their Ministers responsible for Sport, Representatives from Regional Economic Communities (RECs), African Union Sports Development Regions, African Sport Confederations, Regional Anti- Doping, Organizations, National Anti-Doing Organizations, Policy and thematic Experts, Officials from AUC and relevant Departments, media representatives, and other stakeholders.

Media representatives are invited to take part at the opening and closing ceremonies of the high-level forum on 7^th March 2024 starting from 8:30am (GMT+0), at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra.

For Further information:

Ms. Angela Martins- Ag. Director Social Development, Culture and Sport, Department of Humanitarian, Health and Social Development, African Union Commission MartinsA@Africa-Union.org

Mr. Robert Auguste- Senior Sport Officer, Culture and Sport Division; Department of Humanitarian, Health and Social Development, AU Commission; augustero@africa-union.org

Media contact and enquiry:

Mr. Molalet Tsedeke| Information and Communications Directorate| African Union Commission| Email: MolaletT@africa-union.org; Tel. +251-911-630-631; Website: www.au.int