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The 28th edition of the Ghana University Sports Association (GUSA) Games is currently being hosted by the University of Cape Coast (UCC) under the theme “Repositioning University Sports for National Development.” This prestigious event has brought together over 16 public universities across Ghana, offering a platform for student-athletes to showcase their skills and compete for glory. The games, which began on January 3, 2024, will run until January 18, 2024, with 12 exciting sports disciplines on display.
Diverse Competitions Fuel Intense Rivalries
The 28th GUSA Games feature a wide array of sporting events, including Athletics, Basketball, Football, Hockey, Volleyball, Handball, Tennis, Goalball, Beach Volleyball, Badminton, Netball, and Table Tennis. The diverse range of disciplines has attracted fierce competition, with athletes from universities such as the University of Ghana (UG), University of Cape Coast (UCC), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), University of Education, Winneba (UEW), and others battling it out in high-stakes contests.
The games kicked off with an impressive opening ceremony at the New Examination Centre on the UCC campus. In a historic move, the opening ceremony was held indoors and at night, offering a unique spectacle for spectators. This innovation added an exciting touch to the already vibrant atmosphere surrounding the competition.
Early Excitement and Standout Performances
Before the opening ceremony even took place, the women’s football competition was already generating excitement. The University of Ghana (UG) women’s team emerged victorious in an intense match against the University of Cape Coast (UCC), securing a 2-1 win at the Robert Mensah Stadium. Other participating universities, including UEW, KNUST, Ghana Communication Technology University (GCTU), and Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED), also showcased their talent in the women’s football tournament.
Athletes across various sports disciplines have been putting up exceptional performances. In Tennis, Tracy Ampah of KNUST dominated, claiming gold medals in both the women’s singles and doubles categories. Her performance left Lawrencia Aghoghorbia of UG with a well-deserved silver and bronze in the event.
In Goalball, the University of Ghana shone through with Emmanuel Dela Mensah, often regarded as Ghana’s top Goalball player. His remarkable precision and finesse led to him becoming the top scorer of the tournament, contributing to UG’s overall victory.
The UCC Wildcats have also proven their dominance in the Basketball competition, remaining undefeated as they continued to outplay strong contenders like UG and KNUST. Their consistency and exceptional team performance have made them the team to watch in the men’s basketball category.
Athletics and Track Events: Thrilling Races and Historic Wins
The Athletics and Track Events, which began on January 13, 2025, at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium, have added an extra layer of excitement to the games. The competition has already witnessed some thrilling races and remarkable performances, with athletes showcasing their raw talent and determination.
In the men’s 800 meters, Bazaa Kurug Morries from UG claimed first place with an impressive time of 1:50.5. Seidu Salifu, also from UG, produced an outstanding effort in the men’s 10,000 meters, clinching victory with an exceptional performance. Meanwhile, Eric Annobil from the University of Development Studies, Tamale (UDS), stormed to victory in the men’s hurdles final with a gold-winning time of 14.60 seconds.
A Platform for Excellence and National Unity
The 28th GUSA Games continue to emphasize not only athletic excellence but also the spirit of unity and sportsmanship among Ghana’s universities. With a mix of seasoned athletes and emerging stars, the competition serves as an essential platform for nurturing the future of Ghanaian sports, showcasing the immense talent that will drive the nation forward on the global stage.
As the tournament progresses, the excitement and anticipation continue to build, with the final days promising even more thrilling moments. The GUSA Games are undoubtedly playing a vital role in reshaping the future of university sports in Ghana while fostering a sense of national pride and development.
