The University of Ghana has officially launched the UG Invitational Championship Athletics, setting the stage for a major inter-tertiary sporting event scheduled for May 2026.
The launch, held at the UG Stadium VIP Room, marks the beginning of preparations for the championship, which will run from May 17 to May 24, 2026.
The event was graced by Mrs. Lydia Anowa Nyarkoa-Danquah, Director of Academic Affairs, who represented the Registrar of the University of Ghana.
The competition will feature a number of institutions, including the University of Education, Winneba; Tamale Technical University; Ho Technical University; Takoradi Technical University; Accra Technical University; the College of Education Sports Association; and Thorne Foundation Sports Academy.
Speaking at the launch, Director of Sports and Wellness at the University of Ghana, Dr. Austin Luguterah, revealed plans to gradually expand the championship while maintaining athletics as its core discipline.
“I mentioned, apart from athletics being the main thing, year in, year out, we’ll be rolling in some small, small activities to add up. Remember, it’s one week, and we are keeping it as such. All the time, this season, other season, we are still going to keep it one week,” he said.
The championship is expected to provide a platform for young athletes across the country to showcase their talents while strengthening inter-tertiary sporting competition in Ghana.
The initiative also carries a tourism component. The Ghana Tourism Development Company (GTDC), a partner of the UG Invitational Championship Athletics, has outlined plans to expand the competition beyond athletics in the coming years.
The Chief Executive Officer of the GTDC, Prof. Kobby Mensah, revealed that participating athletes will be treated to a special parade through Accra on a tourism double-decker bus, showcasing Ghana’s culture and attractions.
“So, the plan here is that each team will be paraded or we can merge the teams to be paraded in the principal streets of Accra. That also serves as a promotional tool, so that people know the tournament is going on,” he said.
“People will see the athletes, they will have the opportunity to see the athletes, to wave at them, to cheer them up. It actually motivates the athletes as well.”
With both sporting excellence and tourism promotion at its core, the event is shaping up to be a key addition to Ghana’s inter-tertiary sports calendar.
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Story by Samuel Annang | univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Erica Odeenyin Odoom
