Management of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), has commended the University’s student-athletes and coaching staff for their commitment and representation of the institution at the 9th Mini Ghana Universities Sports Association (GUSA) Games.
The commendation was made during an engagement with members of the University’s sports teams on Thursday, June 4, 2026, following the recent Games where UPSA placed 8th out of 13 participating universities on the overall medal table.
Addressing the athletes, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. John Kwaku Mensah Mawutor, expressed appreciation to the students and coaches for their dedication, sacrifice and service to the University throughout the competition.
“This meeting is to formally thank you and the coaches for your commitment, sacrifices, and representation of the University during the Games,” Prof. Mawutor said.
While acknowledging that the University’s overall performance fell below expectations, the Vice-Chancellor said Management remained firmly committed to strengthening sports development and improving athlete welfare at UPSA.
“The Management of UPSA is committed to sports development and student welfare. It is time to restructure how we do sports going forward. We cannot continue doing the same thing and expect different results,” he stated.
As part of measures to reposition sports on campus, Prof. Mawutor announced the dissolution of all existing sports teams to allow for a comprehensive restructuring of sports administration, team formation and athlete development within the University.
He further disclosed that the University is developing a Sports Policy to provide a clear framework for the management of sports and to address the welfare needs of student-athletes, coaches and team managers.
The Registrar, Mrs. Lorraine Gyan, said the engagement formed part of Management’s resolve to listen directly to the experiences and concerns of athletes as the University works to build a more effective and competitive sports system.
“This meeting is to engage with you, understand your experiences, and gather ideas that will help us revamp sports within the University,” Mrs. Gyan said.
She also announced that, going forward, priority consideration would be given to student-athletes in the allocation of hostel accommodation as part of efforts to support their academic and sporting commitments.
The University’s Sports Coach, Mr. Ibrahim Ali, expressed gratitude to Management for the support extended to the teams before and during the Games. He admitted that preparations ahead of the competition were not ideal, but commended the athletes for their resilience and determination.
“Although our preparations were inadequate, the athletes remained focused and committed, and we were able to finish 8th on the medal table. We appreciate Management’s support and look forward to the reforms being introduced,” he said.
The engagement also gave members of the various sports teams the opportunity to share their experiences, ask questions and make recommendations on issues affecting sports development at the University.
Also present were Prof. Samuel Antwi; Dr. Leticia Akyeampong, Director of Administration; and Mrs. Aba Lokko, Director of Public Affairs.
The meeting forms part of UPSA’s broader commitment to strengthening sports development, enhancing athlete welfare and building competitive teams capable of excelling in future university sporting competitions.
