27th GUSA Games Officially Opens
Participating universities and dignitaries at the 27th GUSA Games were thrilled with the beautiful opening ceremony of the 27th Ghana Universities Sports Association (GUSA) Games at the Paa Joe Stadium, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi.
Addressing guests and participants, the Pro Vice-Chancellor and Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), Professor Ellis Owusu-Dabo, welcomed all to KNUST and added that they were ready to give all participants and guests unforgettable GUSA Games experience. Professor Owusu-Dabo stated that the LOC interprets winning not only in the context of medals but also the shared principles of universities, particularly integrity and human resource management. He remarked that the theme chosen for the 27th GUSA Games "Harnessing Sporting Talents of Students for National Development Through Healthy Competition Using Science and Technology", reflect the role universities play in society, thus providing skilled labour for sustainable development. Professor Owusu-Dabo bemoaned that the biggest challenge facing the LOC was sponsorship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, he was grateful to the few sponsors and partners who had come on board to make the 27th GUSA Games a success.
Professor Ellis Owusu-Dabo, Pro Vice-Chancellor, KNUST
The GUSA President, Mr. Shaibu Ibrahim Tanko, in his speech, commended KNUST for the high level of organisation. He stated that was a clear manifestation of the seriousness that we attach to the growth of sports and the development of our youth in Ghana.
"Sport is not just for entertainment anymore. It has become an avenue for job creation for the youth. It is important for universities to incorporate sports into the academic curriculum. The theme for this year is very appropriate considering how scientific the sport has become. I will admonish universities to introduce more sports science courses to bridge the gap between the south and the west. "The government should commit resources in this regard for the development of sports at the educational level."
The Rector, Ghana Institute of Journalism, Chairman of Vice-Chancellors Ghana (VCG), and Chairman of the GUSA Council, Professor Kwamena Kwansah-Aidoo, pledged the support of VCG to the growth of the GUSA Games. Professor Kwansah-Aidoo, basking in the spirit of sports, advised all to embrace sports because it had the ability to promote good mental health, which is a key component of a healthy and meaningful life. He stressed the importance of sports instilling values that help students navigate life with honesty and responsibility for themselves and others.
Professor Kwamena Kwansah-Aidoo, Chairman, Vice Chancellors Ghana
The Vice-Chancellor of KNUST, Professor Mrs. Rita Akosua Dickson, said hosting the 27th GUSA Games was historic because it climaxes the 70th Anniversary of KNUST. Referring to the impact COVID-19 had on preparations, the Vice-Chancellor recounted the innovations and creativity they adopted to surmount the challenges that came with it. Professor Dickson mentioned one of her key strategies as Vice-Chancellor was to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3, which is to achieve ‘Good Health and Well-being’ by 2030. In view of this, they were committed as a university to ensuring that both students and staff attain good health and wellbeing. "We do not leave our staff and students behind. We engage them through exercise and sports through the Fitness and Wellness Centre and the Sports Directorate. I encourage GUSA to put structures in place for all its member istitutions to embrace fitness, wellness, and recreation for its staff."
She emphasised the need to improve sporting facilities in all tertiary schools to cater for the needs of students and staff. Professor Dickson added KNUST was determined to add more infrastructure to the existing ones to befit their status as a world class university and to give their student athletes the best opportunity of getting selected to represent Ghana at the 2023 African Games, dubbed Accra 2023.
The Special Guest of Honour for the Opening Ceremony His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who was represented by the Council Chairman of KNUST, His Excellency Ambassador Nana Effah-Apenteng, in opening the 27th GUSA Games, reminded the athletes of the need to uphold the values and ethics of sports to enable them to reach the pinnacle. He encouraged the athletes to represent their universities well and be worthy ambassadors. His Excellency Ambassador Effah-Apenteng cautioned them to desist from all forms of hooliganism and winning at all costs but rather embrace excellence, fairness and form new networks for tomorrow. He was optimistic that the GUSA Games will continue to be the hub for identifying athletes and nurture them to represent Ghana at global competitions.
Ambassador Nana Effah-Apenteng, Council Chairman, KNUST
Guests and participants at the opening ceremony were treated to beautiful cultural and contemporary performances from the KNUST Basic School, the Cadet Corps and Band of KNUST, and KNUST Senior High School.
Also present at the ceremony were Vice-Chancellors, Registrars and Provosts from other member institutions; the Ashanti Regional Minister, Honourable Simon Osei Mensah; the Director General of the National Sports Authority, Professor Peter Twumasi; GUSA Executives and Members of the LOC.
UG student athletes at the opening ceremony