The University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD) successfully hosted the 28th Ghana University Sports Association (GUSA) Cross Country and the second Minor Games from October 27 to November 1, 2025.
The event, held under the theme, “Harnessing the Lesser-Known Sports: The Key to Developing the 21st Century Sportsman,” brought together 16 public universities from across the country for an exciting showcase of athletic talent and camaraderie.
Delivering the welcome address at the opening ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor of UESD, Prof. Eric Nyarko-Sampson, warmly received the athletes, officials, and guests. He said hosting the event was an indication of UESD’s growing contribution to the national higher education and sports development agenda.
The President of GUSA, Mr. Shaibu Ibrahim Tanko, who is also the Director of Sports at UDS, thanked the Management of UESD and urged participants to abide by the rules of the games and compete in unity. The week-long competition featured traditional and emerging sports disciplines, including Ampe, Chess, 10km Cross Country, 10km Cross Country Mixed Relay, Scrabble, and Tug of War. The games provided a platform for Ghanaian university athletes to compete, collaborate, and demonstrate excellence beyond the country’s dominant sports, such as football and athletics.
KNUST Emerges Overall Champion
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) emerged as the overall winner, sweeping gold medals across multiple disciplines, including Chess, Scrabble, and Tug of War. Their dominance underscored the university’s sustained commitment to nurturing holistic student-athletes.
In a thrilling display of endurance and teamwork, the 10km Cross Country Mixed Relay event saw the KNUST clinch the top spot after a commanding performance from start to finish. The University of Education, Winneba (UEW) followed closely in second place, showcasing remarkable determination and coordination. At the same time, the University for Development Studies (UDS) secured third position with an impressive effort that earned applause from spectators.
In the Ampe competition, the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) claimed gold. At the same time, the C.K. Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS) took silver, and host institution UESD proudly secured bronze.
KNUST triumphed in both the men’s and women’s Chess events, with the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) and the University of Cape Coast (UCC) claiming silver in their respective categories. The Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) and the Ghana Communication Technology University (GCTU) each picked up bronze medals.
The Tug of War competition saw KNUST clinch gold, the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) take silver, and the University for Development Studies (UDS) grab bronze. In Scrabble, KNUST once again led the charge, winning both the men’s and women’s events.
UESD and GCTU won silver and bronze, respectively, in the men’s category, while UCC and GIMPA followed behind KNUST in the women’s division. The events, which tested both stamina and strategic pacing, highlighted the growing competitiveness among Ghana’s tertiary institutions in athletics.
UESD’s Growing Reputation as a Young Host Institution
Hosting the games marked a significant milestone for UESD, one of Ghana’s youngest public universities. Speaking at the closing ceremony, GUSA President Shaibu Ibrahim Tanko praised the host institution for its exceptional organization and enthusiasm.
“We want the young universities to grow. UESD is just five years old, and in that short time, look at the mileage they’ve achieved. Hosting GUSA is no small feat, and they have managed everything to everyone’s satisfaction,” he said. Mr. Tanko also highlighted the broader importance of the GUSA Games in nurturing national sporting talent.
“Most of Ghana’s national athletes are products of the GUSA Games. We want sponsors to take note that GUSA is a breeding ground for excellence. When UDS won the World University Cup, it showed that Ghanaian universities can compete on the global stage,” he added.
A Platform for Exposure and Development
Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, Kwame Poku, reflected on the challenges and rewards of hosting the event. “Our facilities are not yet adequate to host the big GUSA Games, so we decided to start with the Mini GUSA for exposure. Many participants didn’t know about our university before this event, and they were impressed by what they saw,” he explained.
“This event has given UESD immense visibility and will help attract more students, donors, and partnerships.” Mr. Poku extended gratitude to UESD management, staff, and the GUSA executive for their support in making the games a success.
Government Support and Encouragement
The Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Awatey, visited the games as part of her official tour of the University. Accompanied by the Yilo Krobo Municipal Chief Executive, Francis Addo Akumatey, she commended the athletes for their spirit of sportsmanship and urged them to continue balancing academic pursuits with athletic excellence.
The Future of Lesser-Known Sports
The 28th GUSA Cross Country and Minor Games underscored the growing importance of alternative sports in Ghana’s tertiary institutions. By investing in lesser-known disciplines, GUSA and its member universities aim to build a new generation of versatile athletes equipped for both national and international competitions.
As the dust settles in Somanya, one message resonates clearly — Ghana’s universities are not just nurturing future professionals in classrooms, but also shaping the next generation of world-class athletes.
