The 28th edition of the Ghana University Sports Association (GUSA) Games is currently being hosted by the University of Cape Coast (UCC), on the theme “Repositioning University Sports for National Development,” the event has brought together student-athletes from 16 public universities across Ghana for fifteen days.
Participants will compete in 12 sporting disciplines, namely, Athletics, Basketball, Football, Hockey, Volleyball, Handball, Tennis, Goalball, Beach Volleyball, Badminton, Netball, and Table Tennis. This diverse array of events highlights the vibrant and competitive spirit of university sports.
The games, which commenced on January 3, 2024, are set to conclude on January 18, 2024. Throughout the competition, teams have displayed exceptional skill and determination in their pursuit of victory and glory for their respective institutions.
The tournament began with a colourful opening ceremony at the New Examination Centre on the UCC campus. For the first time in GUSA history, the opening ceremony was held indoors and at night, adding a unique spectacle to the event.
Early Highlights and Competitions
Even before the opening ceremony, women’s football had already taken centre-stage. The University of Ghana (UG) women’s team secured a 2-1 victory against the University of Cape Coast (UCC) in a thrilling fixture at the Robert Mensah Stadium. Other universities, including the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Ghana Communication Technology University (GCTU), and Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED), also participated in the women’s football competition.
Other sports such as Handball, Hockey, Basketball, Goalball, Tennis, and Table Tennis have seen fierce competition. Some athletes have broken old records and set new benchmarks, while others have defended their titles and won medals.
Standout Performances
In Tennis, Tracy Ampah from KNUST won gold medals in both the women’s singles and doubles. Her opponent, Lawrencia Aghoghorbia from UG, secured bronze and silver in a highly competitive event.
In Goalball, the University of Ghana emerged victorious, thanks to the outstanding performance of Emmanuel Dela Mensah, arguably Ghana’s best Goalball player. His precision and finesse in throwing the ball helped him become the tournament’s top scorer.
The UCC Wildcats have dominated the Basketball event, proving their supremacy on the court. Despite resilient performances from UG and KNUST, the Wildcats have continued to record impressive victories and are strong contenders for the gold medal in the men’s basketball category.
Athletics and Track Events
Athletics and field events commenced on Monday, January 13, 2025, at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium. From the 100 meters to the 1500 meters, athletes set the tone for thrilling races, wowing fans with their performances.
In the 800 meters, UG’s Bazaa Kurug Morries clinched victory with a time of 1:50.5. An athlete by name Seidu Salifu from UG, displayed an outstanding performance to secure first place in the men’s 10,000 meters with an impressive time of 31:14.47.
In the men’s hurdles final, Eric Annobil from the University of Development Studies, Tamale (UDS), won gold with an impressive time of 14.60 seconds.
The GUSA Games continue to showcase not only athletic excellence but also the unity and sportsmanship among Ghanaian universities. With a mix of seasoned athletes and emerging talents, the event remains a crucial platform for nurturing the future stars of Ghanaian sports.
