The University of Ghana has marked this year’s International Day of Sport for Development and Peace with an engaging outreach programme at Ghanata Senior High School in Dodowa, using sport as a platform to inspire, educate and connect with students.
The initiative, led by the Department of Physical Education and Sports Studies (PESS) under the School of Education and Leadership in the College of Education, was organised in collaboration with PATH Ghana. The event formed part of global efforts to recognise sport as a powerful tool for fostering peace, inclusion and social change. This year’s celebration, held under the theme “Sport: Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers,” brought together faculty, staff and students for a blend of educational engagement and practical sporting activities.
Welcoming the team, the Assistant Headmaster in charge of Academics at Ghanata Senior High School, Mr. Wilson Kofi Lawoe, acknowledged the importance of sport in shaping society, while noting that it is often overlooked. He commended the University for reaching out to the school and encouraged sustained efforts to promote sports development within educational institutions.
Adding to this, the school’s Physical Education teacher, Mr. Anthony K. Adigbo, spoke proudly about the sporting talent within the school. He noted that Ghanata students have consistently performed well at the regional level and expressed hope that such talent could be nurtured further at the tertiary level, particularly at the University of Ghana.
Professor Annabella Osei-Tutu, Head, Department of Physical Education and Sport Studies
Introducing the Department, the Head of PESS, Professor Annabella Osei-Tutu, shared insights into its mission and vision. She explained that the Department is committed to bridging the gap between academic knowledge and practical application, describing the outreach as a clear example of that goal in action.
Madam Patience Dapaah, Representative from PATH
The event also received strong support from PATH Ghana. Representing the organisation, Madam Patience Dapaah expressed her excitement about the programme and noted that such initiatives can have a lasting impact by encouraging healthy lifestyles and strengthening communities through sport. A goodwill message from the badminton fraternity in Ghana further added to the sense of shared purpose and collaboration.
As part of the day’s activities, Dr. Bella Bello Bitugu, a Senior Lecturer and specialist in Sport for Development, engaged the students in a discussion on teamwork and the broader value of sport beyond competition. He highlighted how sport can contribute to personal growth as well as community and national development.
In a more practical session, Dr. Vida Korleki Nyawornorta led students through a series of physical exercises, demonstrating the importance of regular activity in maintaining good health. The session was lively and participatory, with students actively involved throughout.
The programme ended on a high note with fun and interactive games that brought together students and facilitators, creating an atmosphere of excitement and shared learning.
The event reinforced the idea that sport is far more than recreation. It is a powerful tool for education, health promotion, talent development and social cohesion. It also reflects the University of Ghana’s ongoing commitment to engaging communities and nurturing young talent through sport. The outreach forms the first in a series of planned activities by the Department aimed at reaching grassroots and community-level stakeholders across the country.
