President John Dramani Mahama has presented a ₵500,000 reward package to the University for Development Studies (UDS) football team for winning the 2025 International University Sports Federation (FISU) World University Football Games in Chengdu, China.
UDS made history by defeating Brazil’s Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro 2–1 in the final, becoming the first Ghanaian and African university to win the global title. The victory has brought immense pride and glory to Ghana, reaffirming the country’s position as a rising force in global university sports.
Presenting the cheque at the Jubilee House in Accra, President Mahama hailed the team’s exceptional performance and discipline, describing their triumph as “a statement to the world that Ghanaian youth can compete and excel anywhere.”
“This is a victory not just for UDS, but for every Ghanaian youth who dreams big. You have shown that with dedication, teamwork, and belief, our young people can conquer the world,” he said.
₵500,000 Reward to Support Sports Development at UDS
President Mahama explained that the ₵500,000 reward was a token of appreciation from the government and a contribution toward enhancing sports infrastructure and development programs at UDS.
“This support is to encourage you to invest further in sports — in training facilities, coaching, and talent development — so that this victory becomes the beginning of even greater achievements,” he added.
Government to Establish School Sports Authority
The President also announced plans to establish a School Sports Authority, which will coordinate sports activities and talent development from basic to university levels.
The new authority, he said, will have a dedicated budget and will organize regular competitions among schools and tertiary institutions to discover and nurture talents early for national and international representation.
“We are institutionalizing school sports so that Ghana produces champions not by accident, but by design,” President Mahama declared.
Standard Sports Stadium in Every Region
Reiterating his government’s commitment to sports infrastructure, President Mahama disclosed that standard sports stadiums are being constructed in every region, complete with modern facilities to support professional training and competitions.
“Every region will have a modern stadium accessible to schools and communities, so that young talents can train in world-class conditions,” he affirmed.
Honouring the Legacy of President Rawlings and UDS’s Founding Vision
Reflecting on UDS’s origins, President Mahama recalled the visionary role of former President Jerry John Rawlings, who established the university as Ghana’s first public tertiary institution in the north.
“President Rawlings started UDS with the $50,000 World Food Prize money he donated. Today, that dream has blossomed into multiple thriving universities across northern Ghana,” he noted proudly.
The President said UDS’s global achievement was a fitting tribute to Rawlings’ vision of equitable access to education and development across all regions.
Sports Integral to Ghana’s RESET Agenda
President Mahama emphasized that sports are a core pillar of Ghana’s RESET agenda, which focuses on rebuilding national unity, promoting discipline, and expanding opportunities for youth employment and entrepreneurship.
“Sports is not just recreation — it’s a driver of growth and inclusion. We are building an ecosystem where sports contributes directly to economic development and job creation,” he stated.
Personal Connection to UDS
The President also shared his personal link to UDS, recounting that part of his late father’s farmland near Yape has been integrated into the university’s animal science and livestock training program.
“It’s heartwarming that UDS students use my father’s former farm for practical lessons in animal husbandry. It makes me feel deeply connected to this great institution,” he remarked.
Ministry Collaboration to Strengthen Youth Sports
Minister for Sports and Recreation, Hon. Kofi Adams, praised the UDS team for their groundbreaking achievement and said the ministry will collaborate with the Ministry of Education to identify and develop young athletes through structured pathways to professional levels.
“UDS has demonstrated that when education and sports work together, excellence follows. We will replicate this model nationwide,” he assured.
Minister for Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, and Member of Parliament for Sagnarigu, Hon. Attah Issah, also commended the team for their perseverance and commitment.
UDS Victory Inspires Ghana’s Youth
The Vice Chancellor of UDS, Professor Seidu Alhassan, thanked the President for the national recognition and financial reward, saying it will motivate both students and management to invest further in sports and academic excellence.
“This victory is a call to all Ghanaian universities to make sports an integral part of higher education. It bridges the gap between learning and leadership,” he said.
President Mahama concluded that the UDS triumph highlights the importance of university sports as a bridge between education and professional athletic development, promoting international friendship, discipline, and cultural exchange.
“You have inspired millions of young Ghanaians. This is the spirit of the new Ghana, confident, capable, and ready to lead,” he said as he received the World University Football Trophy from the team captain.
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
