The 28th Inter-University Cross Country and Minor GUSA Games is underway at the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD), Somanya, Eastern Region, following a colourful opening ceremony held at the Auditorium, Multipurpose Building. Running from October 27th to 1st November, this year’s competition is under the theme: “Harnessing the Lesser-Known Sports: The Key to Developing the 21st Century Sportsman.”
Sixteen (16) public Universities are competing in a range of sporting disciplines, including Cross Country (2.5km Mixed Relay), Ampe, Chess, Scrabble, and Tug of War.
Participating Universities are: the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD), host; University of Cape Coast (UCC); University of Ghana, Legon; Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST); University for Development Studies (UDS); Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED); and the University of Education, Winneba (UEW).
The others are; the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS); C.K. Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences; University of Mines and Technology (UMaT); Ghana Communication Technology University; University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC); University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA); University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR); and the University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (UBIDS).
Delivering the welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor of UESD, Prof. Eric Nyarko-Sampson, warmly received the athletes, officials, and guests. He said hosting the event is not only a privilege but also a reflection of UESD’s growing contribution to the national higher education and sports development agenda.
Prof. Nyarko-Sampson noted that the week-long competition offers a unique platform for Universities to strengthen bonds of friendship and collaboration. He assured participants of a memorable event, commending the Local Organising Committee (LOC) and the GUSA Secretariat for their hard work.
The Vice-Chancellor reiterated UESD’s dedication to its core values, encapsulated in the acronym HOPE — Honesty, Opportunity, Perseverance, and Enterprising spirit. “This philosophy underpins everything we do. It reminds us that honesty builds integrity, opportunity empowers growth, perseverance drives excellence, and an enterprising mindset fosters innovation,” he explained.
Prof. Nyarko-Sampson expressed confidence in the athletes and urged them to compete with integrity and respect.
“To our distinguished athletes, you are the heartbeat of this event. Compete with passion, integrity, and respect. Uphold the highest standards of sportsmanship and fair play. Remember that every stride and every finish line crossed contributes to the spirit of unity and excellence that defines the Ghana Universities Sports Association,” he concluded.
The Games’ Emblem: “The Flame of So Many”
The host University of the GUSA Games traditionally designs the emblem for the event. The Registrar, Mrs. Mary Abena Agyepong, shed light on the meaning and inspiration behind UESD’s emblem for 2025, which she described as “The Flame of So Many. ”Our emblem is The Flame of So Many, and what you are all seeing is indeed correct,” she began. “At the base of the design, we see the Kobo Mountains, because we are surrounded by these mountains here in Somanya. They represent the geographical terrain of our environment, anchoring the mascot in its local context.”
She explained that the Krobo Mountains symbolise strength, resilience, and endurance—qualities essential not only to athletes but also to environmental stewards and leaders. “You will also notice the layered green terrain, which evokes growth, ecological harmony, and sustainability,” she added.
Turning her attention to one of the emblem’s most striking elements—the Adomi Bridge—the Registrar continued: “At the centre of the emblem is the Adomi Bridge, a central visual element that stands for connectivity, unity, and inclusiveness. It reflects how the Mini GUSA Games bring together universities across Ghana, connecting diverse communities through sports and collaboration.”
She further highlighted the spring of water flowing beneath the bridge, represented in blue tones. “The spring represents continuity and natural balance. It reinforces UESD’s commitment to sustainable resource use and acknowledges our proximity to one of Ghana’s most vital water bodies—the Volta Lake,” she explained.
Adding a human touch, Mrs. Agyepong pointed out the colourful figures of athletes featured prominently within the emblem. “You will also see colourful human figures in motion representing sportsmen and sportswomen. They symbolise diversity, youth, energy, and dynamic participation. Each pose reflects a different sport, celebrating teamwork, competition, and joyful expression.She noted that the green, blue, and gold colours used in the emblem align with UESD’s environmental values and GUSA’s vibrant athletic spirit.
Concluding her presentation, she drew attention to the torch at the top of the emblem.“The torch, inscribed with the word GUSA, signifies hope, excellence, and the pursuit of victory. The flame represents the ignition of sustainable excellence—lighting the way for future generations. And that’s you—the future generations of athletes and scholars,” she said, to warm applause.
The Organising Secretary of GUSA, Dr. Timothy Mensah, who is also the Director of Sports at KNUST, urged participants to abide by the rules of the games and reach out to officials for clarification when necessary.
The ceremony concluded with the athletes taking the athletes’ oath, followed by the officials’ officiating oath, signalling the official commencement of the 28th GUSA Games.