The maiden edition of the University of Ghana Corporate Football League has been successfully launched. The event, which took place at the VIP Lounge of the University of Ghana Stadium on Tuesday, February 14, was attended by dignitaries such as the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams; the Registrar of the University of Ghana, Emelia Agyei-Mensah; the Provost of the College of Education (UG), Prof. Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe; and various corporate executives whose teams are participating in the league.
The Director of Sports and Wellness at the University of Ghana, Dr. Austin Luguterah, emphasised that the football league goes beyond being just a sports tournament. Instead, it aligns with Priority 4 of the University’s Strategic Plan (2024–2029), which focuses on engagement and partnership.
“This initiative represents more than just a sporting competition; it is a strategic alignment with the University of Ghana’s fourth strategic priority. It encourages engagement and partnership,” he stated.
Dr. Luguterah further highlighted that this tournament would strengthen the bond between the university and various corporate organizations, fostering alliances while promoting fitness.
“This league provides a unique opportunity to enhance collaboration between the university and corporate entities while promoting physical well-being and friendships among participants,” he noted.
Meanwhile, the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, stated that one of the ministry’s concerns has been how universities in Ghana can bridge the gap between academia and corporate bodies to facilitate students’ transition into the corporate world. He commended the University of Ghana for addressing this issue effectively.
“This vision aligns seamlessly with the University of Ghana Vice-Chancellor’s commitment to bridging academia with the corporate world. I salute the Vice-Chancellor for this great initiative,” he said.
“We have always been concerned about how our universities are bridging the gap between academia and the corporate world. I believe these games, as you come in to cheer your teams and even participate, will help establish that seamless relationship. You will see how our students will transition easily into the corporate world.”
A total of 18 corporate teams have been drawn into two groups (A and B), consisting of nine teams each. Teams in their respective groups will compete in a league-format phase until winners emerge from both groups. The two finalists will then face off in the “Clash of Titans” to determine the ultimate winner of the University Football League over a 20-week span.
With one of the tournament’s core objectives being the fostering of friendships, the format has been designed to reflect this goal. Each match will consist of two 20-minute halves with a 10-minute break, allowing participants and the university community to socialise while preventing excessive fatigue among participants, who are also full-time workers.
A total of four matches will be played each week on Friday nights at the University of Ghana Stadium. The Union Ghana, winners of the University of Ghana Community Games, will open the tournament against the College of Humanities, alongside three other league matches. The highly anticipated UG vs. UPSA match will serve as the curtain raiser for the historic event, set to kick off this Friday, February 21 at 4:00pm.
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Story by: Gabriel Tecco Mensah | univers.ug.edu.gh
