2024 GUSA Games: UG clinches 42 medals, achieves best finish in 18 years

Gabriel Tecco Mensah
Gabriel Tecco Mensah
5 Min Read

The University of Ghana (UG) has once again etched its name into the Ghana University Sports Association (GUSA) Games record books by securing an impressive 42 medals. This remarkable performance earned UG second place in the recently concluded 28th edition of the Games, held at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) from January 3–18, 2025, where 15 other universities competed.

This is UG’s best performance in over 18 years, having consistently placed fourth or fifth in recent years.

Sporting disciplines and medal count
UG competed in athletics, men’s basketball, women’s football, handball, tennis, badminton, beach volleyball, goalball, hockey, table tennis, and volleyball. However, they did not participate in women’s basketball, men’s football, and netball.

Athletics emerged as UG’s strongest suit, contributing 25 medals—11 gold, 7 silver, and 7 bronze—showcasing the university’s dominance in track and field events.

Notable performances in athletics
Bazaa Kurug Morris delivered a stunning performance in the men’s 800m, coming from fourth place with just 10 meters to the finish line to clinch victory. Reflecting on his achievement, Bazaa shared:

“For me, I told you earlier on, I’m not running the race by my own strength. It’s the Lord Jesus Christ who has been doing this for me. I told God that if He makes me win this race, I’ll let everybody know He’s the one. And here I am today—Jesus Christ is the saviour. To anyone watching this interview, I want to say: when you give your life to Christ, everything is possible.”

Bazaa preached one message after emerging victorious in the 800m: “It’s not about gold; it’s about Jesus.”

Seidu Salifu, another standout, dominated the men’s 10,000m, finishing an entire lap ahead of his closest competitor. Speaking to Univers Sports, he expressed gratitude:

“I always give thanks to Almighty Allah first, and I congratulate my coaches, teammates, and the whole team. Without God, you can’t do it. And you need hard work to succeed because you don’t just dream to win—you train for it.”

UG also triumphed in both the men’s and women’s 4x100m relay events. Head coach Dramani Abdul Wahab attributed the success to meticulous preparation:

“This journey started long ago. We began training last year and participated in the FASU Games, where they won the 4x100m relay. So, I was confident they’d win this one too. I thank Almighty Allah for everything.”

Beyond Athletics
In basketball, UG’s men’s team secured bronze after defeating the University for Development Studies (UDS). Head coach Eric Agyapong commended his team’s effort, noting their youthfulness:

“We barely use experienced players. We rely on our own materials, unlike other teams that bring in players from different jurisdictions. For UDS, some players have competed in GUSA three times. For us, it’s only the captain and Bobby who had prior experience. Given this context, I’m proud of the work my boys have done.”

UG also earned medals in badminton, beach volleyball, goalball, handball, hockey, tennis, and volleyball, further solidifying their reputation as a formidable contender.

Leadership and future aspirations
UG’s Director of Sports and Wellness, Dr. Austin Luguterah, lauded the team’s success:

“This achievement is a testament to the unyielding spirit of our athletes and the teamwork of our entire sports community.”

Head coach Mary Yahaya added:

“We came with a clear plan and unshakable belief in our athletes. This victory belongs to every member of the UG family who contributed in their unique way.”

The 29th edition of the GUSA Games will be held at the University of Education, Winneba, where Team UG aims to deliver an even better performance than at UCC.

Story by: Gabriel Tecco Mensah | univers.ug.edu.gh

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