UEW, GUSA Executives Review Preparations for Hosting 29th GUSA Games
Management of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) in collaboration with the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the 29th Ghana University Sports Association (GUSA) Games, on Tuesday, 16th December, 2025, held a high-level meeting with the National Executive members of GUSA to review the University’s preparedness to host the prestigious multi-sport event.
The meeting, which brought together senior members of UEW Management, the LOC and GUSA Executives, provided a platform to discuss timelines, infrastructure, funding and technical considerations critical to the successful hosting of the Games.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Esther Yeboah Danso-Wiredu, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of UEW, reaffirmed Management’s commitment to delivering all required infrastructure ahead of schedule, notwithstanding the revised timeline for the Games. She emphasised that although the hosting period had been shifted to January 2027, Management had resolved to work towards the original August completion target for major projects to ensure adequate testing, refinement and readiness.
She disclosed that the Games are now scheduled to take place from 3rd to 18th January, 2027, a period that conveniently coincides with the University’s vacation, thereby minimising academic disruptions. Prof. Esther Danso-Wiredu further assured the GUSA Executives of Management’s openness and continued support for the LOC, urging members to engage Management whenever necessary to ensure seamless preparation.
Providing a detailed briefing on preparatory activities, Prof. Victor Antwi, Chair of the LOC and immediate past Pro-Vice-Chancellor, recounted that the LOC was inaugurated on 30th May, 2025 with a clear mandate to plan and deliver a successful Games. He noted that several sub-committees had since been constituted and had submitted a comprehensive summary of planned activities, recommendations and a proposed budget to Management.
Prof. Antwi outlined key facilities earmarked for renovation and refurbishment. These include handball, volleyball, basketball, tennis, hockey and beach volleyball courts across the North Campus and the Sports College enclave. He further announced plans for the construction of a new Mondo/Tartan athletics oval with an integrated football field, which is expected to enhance UEW’s sporting infrastructure.
The LOC Chair indicated that efforts were underway to secure external financial support to complement the University’s investment. Potential partners identified include corporate entities, financial institutions, state agencies, the Ministry of Sports and the UEW Alumni community. He also revealed that the contract for the athletics oval had been advertised in The Ghanaian Times on 21st November, 2025, with the award expected shortly and a projected construction period of six to eight months.
Mr. Shaibu Ibraham Tanko, President of GUSA, commended UEW for the detailed planning but stressed the importance of involving both sports and technical experts in the construction and refurbishment of facilities to avoid structural and functional defects. He further supported the decision to shift the Games to January 2027, noting that the adjustment would allow adequate preparation time for UEW while enabling future host universities to plan effectively.
Prof. Dominic Otoo, Vice-President of GUSA and Dean of Graduate Studies at the University of Energy and Natural Resources, underscored the need for clear timelines to guide GUSA’s technical planning and talent development calendar. He praised UEW Management for its transparency and collaborative approach, emphasising that the welfare and development of student-athletes remain central to GUSA’s mission.
Responding to concerns on technical compliance, Arc. Grace Oppong Peprah, Director of Works and Physical Development, assured stakeholders that UEW was working closely with sports and technical experts to correct design orientations and ensure that all facilities meet required standards.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment by UEW Management, the LOC and GUSA Executives to sustain close collaboration towards delivering a successful 29th GUSA Games that will showcase UEW’s organisational capacity and reaffirm its status as a leading hub for sports and academic excellence in Ghana and beyond.
