Accra: The University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) officially opened the 9th Mini Ghana University Sports Association (GUSA) Games, calling for greater support for university sports.
According to Ghana News Agency, the competition, supported by Peeva Beverages, brought together universities from across the country and is being held under the theme: 'Integrating University Sports with Academic Professionalism.' The games feature disciplines such as football, 3€š¬…¡¬‚¬¦¡¬‚¬Å¡¬¦¡¬‚¬Å¡¬€¦¡¬¦¡¬‚¬Å¡¬€¦¡¬€š¬¦¡¬€š¬…¡¬¦¡¬3 basketball, volleyball, tennis, table tennis, badminton, and athletics.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Prof. John Kwaku Mensah Mawutor, Vice-Chancellor of UPSA, described sports as an important part of developing complete professionals in society. He emphasized that qualities such as discipline, teamwork, resilience, humility, and integrity, which are developed through sports, are equally important in academic and professional life. Prof. Mawutor stated, "Professionalism is not cultivated in the lecture theatre alone. It is shaped equally on the track, on the pitch, and on the court."
Prof. Mawutor also proposed the establishment of a National Weekly University Sports League to ensure continuous competition among universities throughout the academic year. He noted that such a system would help athletes remain competitive, improve coaching standards, strengthen campus spirit, and create opportunities for universities to attract sponsorship and media attention. "This is an ambitious vision, but it is well within our reach, and UPSA stands ready to contribute to both the conversation and the execution," he added.
Prof. Emmanuel Osei Sarpong, speaking on behalf of the Sports Minister, Mr. Kofi Iddie Adams, highlighted that university sports remained one of the strongest pillars of athlete development in Ghana. He noted that many national athletes, coaches, and sports administrators had emerged through the university sports system. Prof. Osei Sarpong remarked, "This event is not merely the opening of another sporting competition. It is a celebration of a critical component of Ghana's national sports development structure."
He further mentioned that sports and academics must not be treated as competing interests but should work together in shaping disciplined and responsible graduates. He assured participants of the government's commitment to strengthening collaboration with GUSA and other stakeholders to improve sports development in the country.
Mr. Ibrahim Tanko, President of GUSA, also commended UPSA for hosting the competition and praised participating institutions for their commitment to university sports despite financial and logistical challenges. Mr. Tanko urged athletes to compete with discipline, fairness, and honor throughout the games, stating, "Victory is important, but how you achieve victory is even more important."
The Mini GUSA Games serve as a platform for talent identification and preparation for higher-level continental and international university sporting competitions.