Accra: The University of Ghana Sports Stadium is set to come alive on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, as it hosts the first-ever University of Ghana Invitational Championship-Athletics, a three-day celebration of speed, strength, endurance, and rising university athletic talents from across the country.
According to Ghana Web, the University of Ghana Sports and Wellness Directorate is looking to keep the athletics spirit alive with this event, coming right after the African Seniors Athletics Championship. The championship, running from Wednesday, May 20, to Friday, May 22, will feature athletes from seven institutions: University of Ghana (UG), Tamale Technical University, Ho Technical University, Takoradi Technical University, Accra Technical University, Colleges of Education Sports Association (COESA), and Thorne Foundation Sports Academy. Events are scheduled to take place daily from 2pm to 6pm.
As hosts, the University of Ghana will rely on standout athletes to deliver performances on home soil. High jumper Daniel Hoinsode Asare, who clinched gold at both the Cape Coast and Accra editions of the Ghana Athletics Association Championship with a jump of 2.10, is expected to be a key contender. He will face competition from Accra Technical University's Boadi Emmanuel, who recently achieved a 2.0 jump.
In the long jump, UG's Philip Boateng aims to make an impact after recording a 7.51m jump to win silver at the Cape Coast Championship. On the women's side, Rukaya Sumiala continues to draw attention with her consistent achievements. The UG athlete holds her school record and has equalled the GUSA 2.12 record.
The middle and long-distance races are anticipated to deliver exciting competition. Reigning 800m champion Moris Bazaa will strive to maintain his dominance, while David Nakousi, UG's local 5000m champion, is expected to lead a competitive distance team. In the women's distance events, Jennifer Anani leads a strong group after excelling in road races and cross-country competitions. She will compete alongside Elizabeth Adjei and Vivian Nartey. Takoradi Technical University's Jane Membong, who won the 1500m race at GHATUSA, and COESA's Veronica Yelimor, who triumphed in the 100m, 200m, and 400m at the Ghana Athletics Association Championship in Cape Coast, will also be key competitors.
UG's sprinter Mordecai Owusu, a participant in the African Games and the African Seniors Athletics Championship, enters the competition with experience and confidence, following strong performances in both Cape Coast and Accra earlier this season.
Ghana continues to nurture incredible athletic talent, and competitions like this provide a platform for these athletes to showcase their abilities, inspire others, and elevate tertiary sports.