In a move towards enhancing sports disciplines and promoting sports development at the University of Ghana, an 18-member Sports Advisory Board has been inaugurated by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo.
This Board, chaired by Prof. Gordon A. Awandare, the Pro-Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic and Student Affairs, will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of sports at the University over the next two years.
Prof. Gordon A. Awandare, the Pro-Vice Chancellor (ASA)
Introducing the purpose of the gathering at the inauguration event, which took place at the New Council Chamber, Dr. Bella Bello Bitugu, Director of the Sports Directorate of the University, mentioned that “the establishment of this Board is in line with the University's statutes, which recommend the creation of advisory boards for various directorates to guide their objectives.”
Dr. Bitugu stressed the importance of the Advisory Board's role in advancing sports-related activities.
“The inauguration ceremony marks the formal initiation of the Board's efforts, with its composition carefully curated based on the recommendations outlined in the University Statutes. Collaboration with Pro-VC Awandare was undertaken to ensure that the membership was comprehensive and well-rounded,” he added.
Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, expressed her gratitude to the members for accepting to be part of the Board, disclosing that, “the formation of the Sports Advisory Board demonstrates our understanding of the critical role that sports play in the holistic development of our students.”
In her charge to the newly formed Board, she noted that “as a university committed to developing well-rounded individuals, we recognise that sports do not only enhance physical health but also inculcate important qualities such as teamwork, discipline, perseverance and leadership. These values are inextricably linked to the fundamental educational concepts that we hold dear.”
A key responsibility bestowed upon the Board, according to Prof. Amfo, will be for the Board to act as a guiding force, providing expertise and strategic advice to ensure that sporting programmes are consistent with the overall educational purpose.
The Vice-Chancellor further stated, “the Sports Advisory Board will be instrumental in designing a complete sports plan that promotes the growth of diverse disciplines, encourages participation at all levels, and empowers our student-athletes to flourish on and off the pitch.”
She expressed hope that through the work of the Advisory Board, the University will be able to create an environment where every student who wants to explore their sporting potential may do so with steadfast support by promoting a culture of inclusiveness and equal opportunity.
Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo
Among other responsibilities, the Board was also tasked with spearheading a comprehensive plan to sustainably manage the sporting infrastructure that the University will benefit from by hosting the Accra 2023 Games.
The oath of office was administered by Ms. Regina Aseye Asiamah, a Legal Officer from the Office of the Legal Counsel, signifying the official inauguration of the Board.
Speaking on behalf of the Board, Prof. Awandare conveyed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor for entrusting them with the important task of championing the development of sports at the University.
He acknowledged the dedication of the external members in contributing their time and resources to bolster sports development at the University. Prof. Awandare affirmed the Board's commitment to delivering high-quality plans and policies that will elevate sporting activities.
He also congratulated the Sports Director for his remarkable performance and urged the members to wholeheartedly support the organisation of the Africa Games while simultaneously focusing on the development of sports infrastructure.
Emphasising the importance of sustainable maintenance of facilities, he assured the Vice-Chancellor that the Board was steadfast in fulfilling its mandate.
Other Board members who delivered brief remarks at the event included, Prof. Joseph Osafo, immediate past Head of the Department of Psychology and now the Director of the Centre for Ageing Studies at the University of Ghana. He extended commendations from the Psychology Department and pledged their support for all sporting activities and programmes. He underscored the important role of Psychology in sports and hoped the Board will integrate both fields to ensure holistic sports development.
The President of the Ghana Football Association, Mr. Kurt Edwin Simon Okraku, also a board member, stressed his unwavering commitment to the Board's objectives and highlighted the need for capacity building in sports development as a critical aspect that has been missing in the country's sports development efforts.
Mr. Abdul Majeed, representing the National Sports Authority, appealed for more resources to facilitate the development of a robust sports policy that would shape the national sports landscape.
The inauguration of the Sports Advisory Board marks a significant stride towards fostering a culture of sports excellence and development at the University of Ghana.
The membership of the Board was drawn from various Administrative and Academic Directorates and Departments as well as from national and corporate bodies.
The membership includes Prof. Gordon A. Awandare, Chairman and Pro-VC (ASA); Dr. Bella Bello Bitugu, Director of Sports; Mr. Kurt Edwin Simeon Okraku, President of the Ghana Football Association; Prof. George Armah, Sports Management Board; Prof. Joseph Osafo, Department of Psychology and Director of the Centre for Ageing Studies; Mrs. Lydia Anowa Nyako-Danquah, Director of Academic Affairs and Dr. Mark Frempong, Director, University of Ghana Health Services and Dr. Margaret Amankwah Poku, Volta Hall Warden representing Hall Administration; Others are Prof. Matilda Steiner Asiedu, Department of Nutrition and Food Science, UG; Dr. Emmanuel Assasie, Department of Physical Education and Sport Studies, UG; Dr. Gifty Gyamah Nyante, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences; Rev. Fr. Anthony Afriyie Amponsah, Careers and Counselling Centre, UG; Mr Abdul Majeed Bawa, National Sports Authority; and Mr. Anthony Awotwe-Bosumafi, representing Corporate Ghana.
The rest are Mr. Michael Ntow Ayeh, Physical Education and Sports Unit - GES Headquarters; Mr. Emmanuel Nketia, UG Students’ Sports Council and Mr. Henry Nii Sackey, Head of Technical.
Mr. Augustine Amissare, Senior Assistant Registrar at the Sports Directorate, will serve as Secretary to the Board.
