University of Ghana Officially Launches 2025 West African University Games (WAUG)
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. The launch ceremony, held on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at the VIP Lounge of the UG Sports Stadium, marked a significant milestone in the university’s journey towards hosting WAUG with excellence, pride, and unity.
The event showcased UG’s full commitment and institutional readiness to welcome student-athletes from across West Africa for what promises to be a thrilling celebration of sportsmanship and regional cooperation.
A Ceremony Marked by Dignity and Purpose
The launch attracted high-profile dignitaries and key stakeholders in sports, media and academia. Among the attendees were Mrs. Emelia K. Agyei-Mensah, Registrar of the University of Ghana; Dr. Austin W. Luguterah, Director of Sports and Wellness; Mr. Shaibu Ibrahim Tanko, President of the West African University Sports Federation (WAUSF); representatives from the Ghana University Sports Association (GUSA), Ghana Athletics, the media and other institutions. Professor George Akanlig-Pare, representing the Vice-Chancellor, also graced the occasion.
Mrs. Emelia Kwantsua Agyei-Mensah, Registrar, UG and Chairperson of the 2025 WAUG LOC
Dr. Austin Luguterah opened the ceremony by welcoming guests and outlining the purpose of the event. In a keynote speech delivered on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Akanlig-Pare emphasized UG’s rich tradition in sports development and its eagerness to host WAUG 2025. “The University of Ghana has a long-standing mission when it comes to sports. We have produced many sporting giants over the years. We grabbed the opportunity to host WAUG 2025 with enthusiasm and pride,” he stated, while calling for renewed support for the University Sports Policy.
Dr. Austin W. Luguterah, Director of Sports and Wellness, UG
A short but impactful promotional video was screened, showcasing UG’s renovated sports infrastructure, athlete accommodations, and other key facilities—an affirmation of the university’s preparedness.
Planning in Motion: LOC Inauguration
One of the major highlights of the event was the formal inauguration of the WAUG 2025 Local Organizing Committee (LOC). The committee is chaired by UG Registrar, Mrs. Emelia K. Agyei-Mensah, with Dr. Austin Luguterah serving as Vice Chair. The LOC brings together a dynamic blend of academic leaders, seasoned sports professionals, and administrative staff, tasked with overseeing the planning and execution of the Games.
Committee members include:
• Prof. Matilda Steiner-Asiedu – Dept. of Food & Nutrition
• Prof. George Akanlig-Pare – Dept. of Linguistics
• Prof. Mahmoud Abdulai Mahmoud – UG Business School
• Prof. Abdallah Ali-Nakyea – UG School of Law
• Prof. Clement Appah – Dept. of Linguistics
• Prof. Godfred Matthew Owusu – UG Business School
• Dr. Elizier Ameyaw-Buronyah – Director of Public Affairs
• Dr. Richard Dey – University Health Services
• Dr. Bella Bello Bitugu – Acting Facilities Manager
• Dr. Timothy Kwabena Mensah – GUSA Organizing Secretary
• Mr. Samuel Alphonse Etsibah – Fleet Manager, PDMSD
• Mr. Yaw Sakyi Afari – CEO, Rite Sports
• Mrs. Lydia Anowa Nyako-Danquah – Director, Academic Affairs
Mrs. Emelia K. Agyei-Mensah, in her inaugural address as chairperson of the 2025 WAUG LOC, urged the entire university community to take ownership of the event. “We’re proud that University of Ghana has been selected to host WAUG 2025. We embrace this opportunity with full commitment. To the staff and students, I urge you to take ownership of this event and champion true Ghanaian hospitality,” she said.
Members of the LOC for the 2025 WAUG
Looking Ahead
Dr. Bella Bello Bitugu, former Director of Sports and current Acting Facilities Manager, provided a progress update on UG’s preparations. He noted that the university last hosted WAUG in 2008 and is poised to deliver an event that reflects global standards.
Bringing the ceremony to a close, Mr. Ibrahim Shaibu Tanko, President of WAUSF, expressed confidence in UG’s ability to host a successful tournament. “I have no doubt in my mind when I look at the caliber of people on the LOC. I congratulate the University of Ghana for stepping up to host this prestigious event. The success of the Games will depend on how much effort we all put in,” he remarked.
As the countdown to WAUG 2025 begins, the University of Ghana is fully embracing its role as host with unwavering determination—ready to unite West African universities through sports, culture, and shared aspirations.