A high-powered delegation from the University for Development Studies (UDS) on Wednesday, May 22, 2025, paid a courtesy call on the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Hon. Kofi Adams, to formally inform him of the university’s unprecedented triumph at the 2024 FASU Games in Lagos, Nigeria, where UDS emerged as African football champions, becoming the first Ghanaian University to win that title.

The Pro-Vice Chancellor of UDS, Professor Elliot Haruna Alhassan, who led the delegation, disclosed that by virtue of that historic victory, UDS has earned the honour of representing the African continent at the FISU World University Football Cup, scheduled to be held in China in September 2025.

“The purpose of our visit is two-fold,” Prof. Alhassan noted. “First, to extend our warm congratulations to you on your appointment as Minister for Sports and Recreation. Second, to share the good news that UDS has lifted the flag of Ghana high in Africa and is now preparing to carry the banner of the entire continent at the global stage.”
Prof. Alhassan reminded the Minister of his deep-rooted ties with UDS, noting his close association with the late former President J.J. Rawlings, who played a pivotal role in the establishment of the University.

In his response, Hon. Kofi Adams warmly welcomed the delegation and expressed appreciation for the recognition and visit.

“I am truly honoured by your presence,” the Minister said. “Let me congratulate the entire UDS community for this incredible achievement. You have not only made Ghana proud, but you have brought pride to the continent. I am confident you will go even further and make Africa proud in China.”

While acknowledging the financial constraints currently facing the Ministry, including longstanding arrears owed to coaches of the senior national football team, Hon. Adams assured the delegation of the Ministry’s commitment to supporting the UDS team.

“We will do our best to support your preparations for the World Cup. I will personally engage corporate Ghana to explore sponsorship opportunities for the team. Government is also putting plans in place to establish a National Sports Fund to cater for such needs in future,” he stated.

The Minister also revealed plans to liaise with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to create opportunities for UDS to engage in friendly matches as part of their preparation for the global tournament.

Hon. Adams used the occasion to commend the innovative course model adopted by UDS, which blends practical sports training with academic instruction. “UDS is setting the pace,” he said. “Many universities are now following your example, and that’s exactly how we bridge the gap between academia and the world of work.

He further emphasized the importance of university sports in national development, noting that sports not only foster unity and discipline but also open doors to international exposure and opportunities for students.

The UDS delegation included the University Registrar, Mr. Nurudeen Issah Abubakar, the Director of Sports, Mr. Shaibu Ibrahim Tanko, and key members of the University’s Sports Advisory Committee, Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu and Mr. Yussif Abdulai as well as the Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Abdul Hayi Moomen.

The meeting concluded with mutual commitments to deepen collaboration between the Ministry and UDS as preparations intensify for the 2025 World University Football Cup.
UDS remains the first Ghanaian university to win the FASU football tournament, and the only institution set to fly Africa’s flag at the upcoming global university football championship.

By Abdul Hayi Moomen
UDS Media