The University of Ghana (UG) has officially launched the 2025 edition of the West African University Games (WAUG), setting the stage for a landmark sporting event in the sub-region. Held on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at the VIP Lounge of the UG Sports Stadium, the launch marked a major milestone in UG’s mission to host WAUG with excellence, pride, and unity.
A Ceremony of Purpose and Prestige
The launch event was attended by top dignitaries and key figures in university sports, including:
- Emelia K. Agyei-Mensah, Registrar of UG and Chairperson of the WAUG 2025 Local Organizing Committee (LOC)
- Austin W. Luguterah, Director of Sports and Wellness, UG
- Shaibu Ibrahim Tanko, President of the West African University Sports Federation (WAUSF)
- Representatives from GUSA, Ghana Athletics, academia, and the media
Professor George Akanlig-Pare, speaking on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, emphasized UG’s longstanding tradition in sports and its readiness to host an unforgettable tournament. “We grabbed the opportunity to host WAUG 2025 with enthusiasm and pride,” he said, calling for full support from the university community.
Showcasing UG’s Sports Power
A short promotional video gave guests a glimpse into the upgraded UG sports facilities, athlete accommodations, and other key logistics, reinforcing the university’s commitment to world-class standards.
Local Organizing Committee (LOC) Inaugurated
The launch also featured the official inauguration of the WAUG 2025 LOC, a dynamic team of experts, professionals, and academics led by Mrs. Agyei-Mensah, with Dr. Luguterah as Vice Chair.
Key Members of the LOC include:
- Matilda Steiner-Asiedu (Food & Nutrition)
- George Akanlig-Pare (Linguistics)
- Mahmoud Abdulai Mahmoud (UGBS)
- Abdallah Ali-Nakyea (Law)
- Clement Appah (Linguistics)
- Bella Bello Bitugu (Facilities)
- Elizier Ameyaw-Buronyah (Public Affairs)
- Yaw Sakyi Afari (CEO, Rite Sports)
Mrs. Agyei-Mensah called on staff and students to take ownership of the Games: “Let’s champion Ghanaian hospitality and make WAUG 2025 a legacy of pride.”
Looking Ahead
Dr. Bitugu, now Acting Facilities Manager, provided updates on infrastructural improvements. UG last hosted WAUG in 2008, and the team is committed to delivering a next-level experience.
Closing the ceremony, Mr. Shaibu Tanko praised UG’s preparation and the strength of its LOC. “The success of the Games will depend on how much effort we all put in,” he noted.
As the countdown begins, the University of Ghana stands poised to unite student-athletes from across West Africa in a celebration of excellence, unity, and sportsmanship.
#WAUG2025 #UGSports #NeoReportSports
Congrats UG
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Will follow keenly in order not to miss this. Sporting is good for the body.