Mr. Austin Luguterah, the newly appointed Sports Director of the University of Ghana recently paid a courtesy visit to the College of Health Sciences, where he was officially introduced to the Management and Administrative Unit Heads of the College of Health Sciences. His visit served as an opportunity to discuss collaborative efforts between the Sports Directorate and the College, as well as share his vision for advancing sports within the University.
During the meeting, Prof. Alfred Edwin Yawson, Provost of the College of Health Sciences emphasized the need for a dedicated sports instructor to support the College’s monthly “Fitness Friday” aerobics program. This initiative, which is set to kick-start in September 2024, aims to promote physical well-being among both staff and students. He indicated that flyers to promote the activity will soon be shared on the University’s website.
At the meeting, Mr. Austin Luguterah shared plans for an upcoming international sports event to be held in Nigeria, which would require the involvement of health professionals. He requested the assistance of a Coordinator or Physiotherapist from the College to ensure effective coordination with the Sports Directorate during this event. Prof. Yawson pledged to provide a medical team from the College to assist the Sports Directorate in all future events and operations.
Additionally, the Mr. Michael Opare Atuah, College Registrar discussed the need for dedicated sports facilities on the Korle Bu campus, which would make it easier for staff and students to participate in aerobic sessions. In response, the Director assured that the Sports Directorate would factor the request into their upcoming budget and make available spaces to bridge the distance gap between the campuses.
Further discussions touched on the existing sports facilities on Korle Bu campus, such as the two tennis courts at the Medical School Hostel and the volleyball court at the SBAHS Hostel. Mr. Luguterah highlighted the need for improvements to these facilities to support future sporting activities, including international tournaments like the West African Games.
Mr. Luguterah outlined his vision for nurturing young sporting talent through the UG Pass program. He indicated that the initiative seeks to identify and train talented athletes from both senior high schools and the University who might not otherwise engage in sports voluntarily. According to him, the students will be groomed during vacation periods to scout for the University’s athletic teams, with the ultimate goal of representing the University in major competitions.
One of the critical topics discussed was the refurbishment of key sports equipment and facilities. The Director mentioned that procurement processes were delaying this effort, but steps were being taken to ensure smooth handover of the University's newly constructed stadium by the Ministry of Youth and Sports. He emphasized that the University is well-positioned to manage and maintain the stadium, with plans to fence the Mensah Sarbah field and upgrade it to meet the standards required for training clubs like Legon City.
The meeting concluded with a clarion call for the Provost to present these proposals before Senior Management during their upcoming meetings to ensure swift action on the handover and refurbishment processes of the Sports Stadium.
Looking ahead, Mr. Luguterah announced plans to host a University-wide Gala and Staff Sports Games, to be held in the evenings and on weekends. He indicated that each College will be tasked with designing its own schedule, and all staff will be required to register. Special attention will be given to promoting female participation, with the establishment of female sports leagues across the University.
In his closing remarks, Prof. Yawson endorsed the Director’s vision and recommended that a formal letter be submitted by the Sports Directorate, requesting the appointment of a Coordinator to facilitate collaboration between the Sports Directorate and the College of Health Sciences.
