Mahama Hails UDS Football Team for Historic World University Games Triumph
President John Dramani Mahama has lauded the University for Development Studies (UDS) football team for their remarkable victory at the World University Football Games, where they triumphed over Brazil in the grand finale to lift the coveted trophy.
The President, speaking when the team paid a courtesy call on him at the Jubilee House on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, described the feat as an extraordinary achievement that has brought pride and honour to Ghana.
“You have brought immense pride and glory to Ghana by winning the World University Football Games, beating no meaner team than Brazil,” Mr Mahama said.
“This victory is not only a win for UDS. It is a statement that Ghanaian youth can compete and excel anywhere in the world when given the right opportunity and support.”
Presidential Reward and New Sports Initiative
In recognition of their achievement, President Mahama announced a GH¢500,000 cash reward to the team, to be presented through the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Seidu Al-Hassan.
He also commended the university’s management and coaching staff for nurturing young athletes, noting that UDS’s success reflects the potential of university sports to bridge education with professional athletics while promoting national pride.
The President further disclosed that the government would soon establish a School Sports Authority to oversee competitions from the basic to tertiary levels.
“It’s going to have a separate budget and will hold constant competitions among universities and secondary schools so that we can identify talents early and bring them into the national teams,” he said.
Sports in the RESET Agenda
Mr Mahama reaffirmed that sports and recreation form a key component of his government’s RESET agenda, aimed at promoting national unity, youth development, and employment.
He revealed that the government is investing in sports infrastructure across the country, with plans to build standard sports stadiums in every region to support training and competitions.
Encouraging the players to stay focused, he said:
“Let this victory be the foundation, not the finish line. Continue to train with humility, discipline, and ambition so that you can win many more laurels.”
UDS Credits “24-Hour Philosophy” for Success
Vice-Chancellor Professor Seidu Al-Hassan expressed appreciation to the President for his continued support and highlighted the team’s journey to victory.
He noted that UDS was ranked Africa’s best university team at the FISU Games, crediting their win to a “24-hour training plan” inspired by President Mahama’s ‘24-hour economy’ philosophy.
He also thanked the government for passing the University for Development Studies Act, 2025 (Act 1143), and appealed for further support to expand the university’s sports and academic facilities.
President Mahama concluded by urging the team to use their success as inspiration for other young people:
“The story of your victory can be turned from Tamale to the world stage. You have brought glory to Ghana and renewed faith in the power of young people, education, and sports to transform lives.”
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