The Ministry of Sports and Recreation has advised students to give their best in pursuit of future opportunities as the 9th Mini GUSA Games commenced.

The games are scheduled to take place from May 5 to 15, 2026, under the theme “Integrating University Sports with Academic Professionalism.”

This year’s event will feature participation from fourteen public universities and will include athletics, 3x3 basketball, football, volleyball, tennis, table tennis, and badminton.

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Prof Emmanuel Osei Sarpong, the National Coordinator for the School and Grassroots Sports Secretariat, speaking on behalf of sports minister Kofi Adams, acknowledged that excellent athletes usually feed into the national teams, which is essential.

Speaking at the opening ceremony at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), he urged the students to be diligent in their respective disciplines to secure national spots in the future.

“As you represent your various institutions, remember that you are also representing the future of Ghanaian sports. Some of you gathered here today may very well become future Olympians, Commonwealth medallists, Black Stars players, national champions, coaches, or sports administrators. Take these Games seriously.

Compete honourably. Learn from one another. Build friendships. Develop yourselves both academically and athletically,” he said.

Prof Osei Sarpong also acknowledged the influential role GUSA has played in nurturing talent for the nation and stressed that the sports ministry will continue to support the games.

“The Ghana University Sports Association has, over the years, served as one of the strongest pillars of athlete development in Ghana.

GUSA has consistently provided structured competition, athlete nurturing opportunities, talent identification pathways, and performance platforms for student-athletes across the country.

“Indeed, many of Ghana’s elite athletes, national team players, coaches, technical officials, and sports administrators have passed through the university sports system before rising to national and international prominence.

The Ministry of Sports and Recreation remains fully committed to strengthening collaboration with GUSA and all tertiary sports stakeholders as part of the broader national sports development agenda,” he added.

SB/AM

Meanwhile, watch highlights from the 9th Mini GUSA Games opening ceremony