| Abbreviation | GUSA |
|---|---|
| Formation | 1964 (formalized 1969) |
| Type | Sports governing body |
| Purpose | University sports coordination and development |
Region served | Ghana |
| Membership | 15 universities (public and private) |
President | Shaibu Ibrahim Tanko |
Main organ | General Council |
| Website | ghanagusa.com |
The Ghana Universities Sports Association (GUSA) is the governing body responsible for overseeing university sports in Ghana. It organizes the biennial GUSA Games and facilitates Ghanaian universities' participation in regional and international multi-sport competitions. [1] [2]
GUSA traces its roots to 1964, when the three public Ghanaian universities began holding unofficial multi-sport competitions. A year later, after attending the inaugural West African University Games in Ibadan, Nigeria, Ghanaian delegates, including coach E. T. Kodzi, decided to formalize university sports nationally. A constitution was drafted in 1969, with Sam Blankson (UCC) as president and E. T. Kodzi as secretary. [3] [4]
Initially comprising three public universities, GUSA has since expanded to include up to fifteen institutions, including public and private universities since a constitutional amendment in 2013. [5]
GUSA is administered by a General Council consisting of representatives from member institutions, including:
The Council elects an Executive Committee, which oversees governance, as well as a Technical Committee, a Committee for Female Sports, a Student Committee, and a Patrons’ Committee (comprising university heads) [6]
As of 2024–2026, the GUSA Executive Committee is:
GUSA Games are held biennially, bringing together student-athletes from up to 16 universities to compete in sports including athletics, football, basketball, volleyball, handball, hockey, tennis, goalball, beach volleyball, badminton, and table tennis [12]
GUSA has called for increased government support, citing funding limitations that affect infrastructure and program development. President Tanko has noted a lack of sponsorship and stated that the association relies primarily on membership dues from university sports departments. [14]
GUSA represents Ghanaian universities in regional and international university sports organizations, including:
Institutions affiliated with GUSA include: