The University of Ghana Stadium has begun discussions with Clean Sport Drive, a registered non-governmental organisation using sport as a platform for environmental sustainability and climate action, towards establishing a partnership to promote greener sporting practices and strengthen environmental awareness.
The engagement, held at the University of Ghana Stadium recently, featured representatives from Clean Sport Drive and officials of the Stadium Secretariat. Significantly, most members of the delegation are former or current students of the Department of Physical Education and Sports Studies (PESS), highlighting the Department’s growing contribution to producing graduates who are using sport to address pressing social and environmental challenges.
Led by International Olympic Committee (IOC) Young Leader, Mr. Prince Apoh, the delegation included Mr. Paul Azumah, Ms. Amanda Bezagrebere, Ms. Ewurama Kakraba-Ampeh, Mr. Kwabena Assiamah-Damti and Mr. Thomas Owusu.
Presenting the organisation’s vision, Mr. Prince Apoh explained that Clean Sport Drive sought to leverage the influence of sport to educate communities on climate change and environmental stewardship. He said the organisation’s activities would include engaging athletes and sporting events, workshops, outreach programmes and a forthcoming UK-certified Carbon Literacy Course.
He noted that the proposed partnership with the University of Ghana Stadium could provide an important platform for demonstrating how sport could inspire positive environmental action and create lasting impact within communities.
Receiving the delegation, the Facilities Manager of the University of Ghana Stadium, Dr. Bella Bello Bitugu, expressed delight at seeing former students translate knowledge and values acquired at the University into initiatives that serve society.
Dr. Bitugu commended the team for its progress and reaffirmed the Stadium Secretariat’s willingness to support the initiative within its mandate. He explained that while the Secretariat’s role was primarily to facilitate rather than organise events, it remained open to partnerships that promoted sustainability and community development through sport.
The meeting was also attended by members of the Stadium Secretariat, including Mr. Iddrisu Abdul-Rahman, Mrs. Benedicta Ahordo and Mr. Samuel Aboagye Quansah. Mrs. Ahordo and Mr. Quansah are also alumni of the Department of Physical Education and Sports Studies.
Reflecting on the influence of Dr. Bitugu on former students, Mrs. Ahordo expressed pride in the achievements of her colleagues and senior colleagues. She observed that the discipline and high standards instilled by Dr. Bitugu had contributed significantly to shaping their professional journeys.
She also highlighted Dr. Bitugu’s expertise in Sport for Development, noting that his work in the field had influenced students and practitioners beyond the University and across the African continent.
Her remarks captured the strong sense of mentorship and institutional pride that characterised the engagement, as former students reflected on how their university experience continued to influence their work and contributions to society.
The meeting concluded with the symbolic presentation of waste bins by Clean Sport Drive to the University of Ghana Stadium, reinforcing the organisation’s commitment to promoting cleaner and more environmentally responsible sporting facilities.
The engagement marked more than the beginning of a potential partnership. It highlighted the growing role of sport as a vehicle for climate action, environmental sustainability and community development, while showcasing how graduates of the Department of Physical Education and Sports Studies are applying their knowledge and experience to create positive social impact