Students at the University of Ghana have lauded President John Dramani Mahama for honoring the University for Development Studies (UDS) football team with national recognition and a cash reward of GH₵500,000 following their recent triumph at the 2025 FISU World University Championship, where the team handed a tough defeat to defending champions Paulista University of Brazil to lift the coveted trophy.
Praising the president’s gesture, students described his action as commendable, noting that it highlights youth excellence and promotes sports development. Others added that such recognition motivates young people to pursue excellence in their various fields.
“It’s a good thing because it shows the team that their efforts did not go unnoticed, and they truly deserve it. To a large extent, it will empower the youth to take charge and get involved in national activities, knowing that their achievements will be recognized and rewarded,” one student said.
Another student shared similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of consistent support for youth development.
“President Mahama’s GH₵500,000 reward to the UDS football team is definitely commendable. It’s refreshing to see youth excellence being celebrated. Recognition is great, but real youth empowerment comes from continuous investment in young people. If we build that foundation, gestures like this won’t just be one-off moments — they’ll become the norm,” the student said.
Others also noted that such acts of appreciation will inspire young people to nurture their talents for national development.
“It will help the youth work on their talents because they now know that if they use their skills to achieve something for the nation, the government will support them,” another student added.
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Story by Chelsy Asare | univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Gabriel Tecco Mensah