UEW Shines at 28th Cross Country, Hosts 2026 GUSA Games
The University of Education, Winneba (UEW) exhibited remarkable determination and teamwork at the 28th Inter-University Cross Country competition held at the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD), Somanya, in the Eastern Region.
The competition, which featured 16 public universities in the country, formed part of the Ghana University Sports Association (GUSA) Minor Games which also included disciplines such as chess, scrabble, tug of war and Ampe.
UEW competed in three categories: the men’s and women’s cross-country races and the 2.5 km mixed relay, delivering impressive performances across all events. The University placed second in the women’s cross-country, fourth in the men’s cross-country and second in the 2.5 km mixed relay. These results reflected the University’s continued strength and competitiveness in national tertiary athletics despite facing intense opposition from other institutions.
Under the leadership of Dr. Theophilus Kwesi Mensah, Director of Sports and Chairman of the UEW Directorate of Amalgamated Clubs and Sports, the University’s athletes performed with discipline and resilience. Dr. Mensah commended the team’s effort, describing the outcome as an important step towards strengthening UEW’s future athletic ambitions. He further emphasised that the Directorate would evaluate the results and address minor setbacks through structured training programmes and performance assessments ahead of upcoming competitions.
Mr. Nurudeen Ahmed, Head Coach of UEW, commended the athletes for their dedication and professionalism. He noted that although a few pre-race injuries affected some of the University’s top performers, the team still displayed exceptional competitiveness and unity. He added that scouting and recruitment efforts are in progress to strengthen the team’s depth and performance ahead of the next major tournament.
Mr. Kingsley Wisdom Baffoe, Sports and Games Secretary of the 31st Student Representative Council (SRC), described the competition as a valuable experience that tested the athletes’ endurance under demanding weather conditions. The SRC reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Sports Directorate and ensuring a “host and win” outcome when UEW welcomes other universities for the 2026 GUSA Games.
Representing the Ajumako Campus, Ms. Francisca Afaglo, Sports and Games Treasurer, praised the athletes’ consistency and commitment, emphasising that although the results fell short of expectations, the experience gained would contribute to improved preparations and greater representation from satellite campuses in future events.
The assistant captain of the men’s cross-country team, Mr. Germain Kofi Dzorgbesi, described the competition as a valuable learning platform for both new and experienced athletes. Despite injuries to some runners during training, the team maintained focus and unity throughout the event, ensuring that UEW remained among the top performers.
Ms. Hagar Sarkodie, captain of the female cross-country team, played a pivotal role in leading her side to a second-place finish in the women’s event. Her endurance and persistence in narrowing the gap between UEW and competing universities exemplified the spirit of determination that defined the University’s overall participation.
The 28th Inter-University Cross Country served not only as a competition but also as a reflection of UEW’s dedication to success, resilience and continuous improvement in university sports. The experience gained will be instrumental in shaping the institution’s preparations for future competitions and most importantly, for hosting the 2026 GUSA Games.
UEW has begun preparations to host the 2026 GUSA Games with a Local Organising Committee (LOC) already in place and management approval secured for the budget. The University is also engaging relevant government agencies to obtain clearance for the construction of a new sports complex and field. These facilities will not only support the successful hosting of the Games but also serve as lasting assets for sports development at UEW.
As UEW looks ahead to welcoming universities from across Ghana, it remains dedicated to enhancing its sporting infrastructure, nurturing athletic talent, and delivering a well-organised and competitive tournament that upholds its reputation as a leading force in tertiary sports.
