The 27th Ghana University Sports Association (GUSA) Games has been launched at a brief ceremony organised by the Local Organising Committee (LOC) under the auspices of Kwame Nkrumah University of Technology (KNUST) Sports Directorate. The 27th  GUSA Games will be hosted by KNUST, Kumasi, from 4th to 21st November 2022.

Professor Patrick Addo-Fordjour, speaking on behalf of the Chairman of the LOC, elaborated that this year, fourteen (14) institutions in addition to the host institution KNUST will be participating in the various games, with about 4,500 athletes and officials. He promised all participating universities and the public a well-planned competition befitting the status of KNUST, a world-class University.

To the sportsmen, he urged them to ensure hard work, fair play, integrity, and empathy which he believes are key human dispositions for selfless and transformational leaders and citizens. He was optimistic that the GUSA Games will go a long way to broaden and deepen the spirit of understanding and cooperation that should exist among management members, staff, and students at all the participating universities.

Dr. Ibrahim Shaibu Tanko, the President of GUSA, applauded the Management of the University and the LOC for the preparation which had started earnestly to ensure a memorable hosting of the 2022 GUSA Games.

The President of the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS), KNUST chapter, Mr. Hafiz Toyyib expressed how elated the student body is to share in the hosting of the 2022 GUSA Games since it presents an opportunity for students to take stock of their health, network and develop their talents in extracurricular activities.

He revealed that as part of students’ preparation for the GUSA Games, the SRC in collaboration with the Sports Directorate organised a justifier dubbed ‘Freshers’ Games’’ to scout talents and groom them into the finest Sportsmen and women. He commended the SRC and the Sports Directorate for such a notable initiative.

The Provost of the College of Science, Professor Leonard Amekudzi, on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor launched the 27th GUSA Games under the theme “Harnessing sporting talents of students for national development through healthy competition using science and technology.” He expressed the University’s sincere gratitude to the LOC chaired by Professor Ellis Owusu-Dabo as well as the sub-committees for all the measures and strategies adopted to host the 27th GUSA Games, KNUST 2022, and the National Sports Authority for their support.

The Provost of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Professor Charles Marfo; Professor Leonard Amekudzi, the Director of Students’ Affairs, Professor Wilson Agyei Agyare as well as other officials of the University and GUSA jointly unveiled the Games logo which was designed by Mr. Isaac Marfo, Junior Assistant Registrar of the University Relations Office.

The Dean of the Quality Assurance and Planning Office (QAPO), Professor Jerry John Kponyo, explained the concept of the logo, ‘Diversity under KNUST’s Authority.’ The logo is made up of two iconic brand symbols at KNUST: the Stool and Nyansapↄ. The stool is a symbol of authority in the Ashanti Region and for three consecutive years (2019, 2020, 2021), KNUST has been ranked number one in Ghana by the USNews and World Report signifying KNUST’s authority in university education in Ghana. Also, the ‘Nyansapↄ’ element in the logo has been created to represent diverse individuals that will be converging under KNUST’s authority.  To represent diversity, several colours from the diversity colour palette (red, yellow, green, and black) were used to colour the individuals from participating universities.

Again, the official website and “NYANSAGORO” the official mascot for the 2022 GUSA Games were also unveiled.

The fourteen (14) participating institutions comprise C. K. Tedam University of Technology & Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, University of Cape Coast, University of Education, University of Development Studies, University of Mines and Technology, University of Energy and Natural Resources, University of Professional Studies, Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration, Simon Diedong Dombo University for Business & Integrated Development Studies, Akenten Appiah Menkah University of Skills Training & Entrepreneurial Development, and Ghana Institute of Journalism.

The KNUST 2022’ will see athletes participate in the following games: Football, Basketball, Tennis, Table Tennis, Goal Ball, Martial Arts, Netball, Hockey, Beach Ball, Arm Wrestling, Chess, and Badminton.