President Mahama Awards GHS500,000 to UDS Football Team for Historic FISU World University Games Victory

President John Dramani Mahama has presented a cash award of GHS500,000 to the University for Development Studies (UDS) football team in recognition of their outstanding achievement as winners of the FISU World University Games in China.

The presentation ceremony, held at the Jubilee House, celebrated the team’s historic victory that brought immense pride and glory to Ghana on the global stage. The UDS team’s triumph, which included a notable victory over Brazil, marked a significant milestone for Ghanaian university sports.

During the ceremony, President Mahama reflected on UDS’s remarkable journey from its humble beginnings. “This university began as a dream and vision of former president JJ Rawlings,” he noted, recalling how Rawlings used his $50,000 World Food Prize money as seed funding to establish the institution. “At the time, it was like planting a mustard seed – so small you cannot imagine that seed would grow to become the big tree UDS has become today.”

“On behalf of the government and people of Ghana, I extend warm congratulations to you, your coaches, and the entire UDS community for this extraordinary achievement,” President Mahama declared. He emphasized that the victory demonstrates Ghana’s growing reputation in global sports and the depth of talent the country possesses.

The President praised the team for carrying “Ghana’s flag with dignity, discipline and passion – values that define our national character,” noting that their performance has inspired millions of young Ghanaians and rekindled collective belief in sports as a unifying force.

Beyond the monetary award, President Mahama announced significant government initiatives to strengthen university sports systems:

– Establishment of a School Sports Authority with dedicated budget allocation

– Construction of standard sports stadiums in every region

– Investment in sports infrastructure and talent development programs

– Systematic talent identification from basic to university levels

“Sports and recreation are integral to Ghana’s reset agenda,” the President explained. “They promote national unity, discipline and social inclusion, while creating pathways for youth employment and entrepreneurship.”

While congratulating the team, President Mahama urged them to view this victory as “the foundation, not the finish line.” He encouraged continued training with humility, discipline, and ambition while maintaining focus on education and personal development.

The UDS football team’s journey from Tamale to the world stage perfectly embodies the spirit of Ghana’s reset agenda – rising through discipline, opportunity, and excellence.

The ceremony concluded with the President’s charge to the team to “keep the flag of Ghana flying high on the field and off the field,” as the nation celebrates this remarkable achievement in international university sports competition.