The University of Ghana Sports and Wellness Directorate has said the GH¢300 allowance paid to athletes during the 2024 GUSA Games was standard across participating institutions and formed just one part of a broader support system provided to student-athletes.
Responding to concerns raised by some UG athletes and a Univers News report citing discrepancies in allowances across universities, the Director, Dr. Austin Luguterah, clarified that GUSA determined the amount and not by individual institutions.
“The GH¢300 is the officially approved competition allowance by GUSA. It’s a standard figure all universities are expected to comply with,” Dr. Luguterah told Univers News in an exclusive interview.
He explained that comparisons made with other schools, such as claims that KNUST athletes received GH¢1,000, fail to consider the total welfare package UG provided.
“UG went beyond the cash allowance. Our athletes were given full board, transport to and from the University of Cape Coast, camping support, food supplies, and toiletries,” he said. “If we had bundled all this into one lump sum, we would have been seen to be breaching GUSA’s regulations.”
Dr. Luguterah also said that several athletes received significant cash bonuses after the games, especially those who won medals or set new records—some earning as much as GH¢5,000. He added that UG remains one of the few institutions offering full scholarships to outstanding athletes, covering both tuition and accommodation.
“We take pride in our scholarship system. It’s not just about rewarding participation but supporting long-term development—both academically and athletically.”
He expressed concern that the initial reaction to the allowance issue may have been based on incomplete information.
“It’s important to understand that the welfare of our athletes is central to our work, and we invest far more than what’s visible in the cash component.”
The 2024 GUSA Games were held at UCC from January 3 to 18, 2025, drawing top athletic talent from universities across Ghana. UCC lived up to its ‘host and win’ mantra, topping the medal table with 18 gold, 18 silver, and 17 bronze medals. UG followed in second place with 15 gold, 12 silver, and 15 bronze medals, while UEW placed third with 14 gold, 18 silver, and nine bronze medals.
