President John Dramani Mahama has awarded the University for Development Studies (UDS) a GHC500,000 (approximately $85,000) grant in recognition of the school’s unprecedented triumph at the FISU World University Football Championship held in China.
UDS became the first African university to capture the global title, overcoming Brazil’s Paulista University in a dramatic 2-1 extra-time victory. The team paid a courtesy visit to the Jubilee House on Monday, presenting the championship trophy to the President.
“The government is proud of your achievement,” President Mahama said during the ceremony. “You have not only made UDS proud, but the entire country.”
Mahama also announced plans to establish a School Sports Authority, a national body designed to oversee and integrate sports development across educational levels—from basic through tertiary.
“The authority will ensure that athletic talent is identified early and nurtured through structured systems,” Mahama stated, citing a coordinated effort between the Ministry of Sports and Recreation and the Ministry of Education.
UDS’s comeback victory has stirred widespread attention both at home and abroad. After conceding a goal within the first 10 seconds of the final, team captain Mohammed Sulemana equalized during stoppage time. The win was sealed by Ezedeen Alhassan, who scored off a corner kick in extra time.
The team returned to a hero’s welcome at Kotoka International Airport on Sunday, October 5, greeted by cheering fans, school officials, and members of the media.
The President’s financial reward is expected to support both the university’s athletic programs and broader youth sports development initiatives.
