The University of Ghana (UG) has included sporting events, in the line-up of activities commemorating its 75th Anniversary, to celebrate its achievements and contributions to national development.
In launching the UG@75 sporting activities, the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Student Affairs), Professor Gordon A. Awandare, commended the Sports Directorate for developing strategies and programmes to promote the development of student-athletes. He added that the University is proud of the student-athletes who have represented the University at national and international competitions, breaking records and winning trophies.
Professor Awandare, who chaired the occasion, encouraged everyone involved in the UG@75 Inter-Hall Games to be competitive, respectful, tolerable, and fair to one another. He asserted that this is the sportsmanship the University of Ghana is known for. He also thanked all stakeholders for supporting UG’s sporting activities.
Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Student Affairs), Professor Gordon A. Awandare
In his remarks, the Director of Sports, Dr. Bella Bello Bitugu, highlighted the sporting activities lined up for the celebrations. These include Inter-Hall Games, Athletics Competitions, Ghana Universities Sports Association Cross-Country Competitions, Staff Games, a Family Day, and a Roundtable Discussion and Public Lecture on sports development in Ghana. He expressed his delight at the integration of sports into academic life at UG.
Dr. Bitugu noted that in 2022, several UG athletes were integrated into the Ghana National Team for the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England. He further disclosed that five sprinters and a high jumper obtained scholarships at universities in the United States of America to continue undergraduate and postgraduate studies. He ascribed these feats to the University's careful and patient investment through the Sports Directorate, with support from Senior Management.
Director of Sports, Dr. Bella Bello Bitugu
Ms. Eva Okyere and Mr. Augustine Ahinful, two sports colossi from Ghana, graced the occasion. They charged student athletes to observe sports values as they strive to achieve their goals. They emphasised the value of hard work, dedication, and passion as essential ingredients for academic success and career advancement.
Mr. Mohammed Osman Nkosi, President of Football Operations at Titans of Africa, who also spoke at the event, promised to work with his colleagues to make the University of Ghana campus the hub of American football development in Ghana.
Prof. Akosua Adomako Ampofo, Chairperson of the UG@75 Planning Committee, assured the University community of the exciting programmes planned to commemorate the celebrations, which include keynote lectures on various issues of national concern, a Public Health Outreach programme dubbed UG gives back to society, fairs and exhibitions as well as staff and student games.
There were demonstrations on Teqball and Pickle ball during the event.
Apostle Dr. Kwabena Akufo donated 5 sets of nets and stands, 17 paddles, and 70 balls of sporting equipment for Pickle ball to the Sports directorate. He then Demonstrated how pickle ball is played.
Prof. Gordon Awandare receiving the donation on behalf of the University
The event ended with Goal Ball and Volleyball tournaments.
Ms. Nina Okoroafor, an alumna of the University, and Mr. Fredrick Amegbletor, UG student, were adjudged the Best Players of the exhibition Goal ball and Volleyball matches played between UG and the Alumni Teams.
Dignitaries and guests were entertained with an invigorating choreography by students of the Department of Dance Studies, School of Performing Arts.
Students of the Department of Dance Studies, School of Performing Arts, entertaining guests at the Opening
Also present were the Registrar, Mrs. Emelia Agyei-Mensah; Director, Public Affairs Directorate, Mrs. Elizier Ameyaw-Buronyah and other University officials, Prof. Clement Appah, Co-Chairperson, UG@75 Planning Committee; members of the UG@75 Planning Committee, members of the Sports Advisory Board and Sports Management Committee, students, alumni, and friends of the University. There were also staff and students from the University Basic School.
