GUSA holds 108th General Assembly

Introduction

The 108^th General Assembly (GA) of the Ghana University Sports Association (GUSA) was held at the University of Ghana,Legon in Accra from 13^th to 17^th April 2016. There were forty-eight (48) participants comprising 16 students and 32 staff from member institutions. The member institutions of GUSA are: University of Ghana (UG); Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST);  University of Cape Coast (UCC); University of Education, Winneba (UEW); University for Development Studies (UDS); University of Mines and Technology (UMaT); University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA); and University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR).

 

In line with GUSA’s practices, a number of committee meetings were held to prepare the grounds for the General Assembly. The Students’ Committee, the Committee for the Development of Female Sports and the Technical Committee held their respective meetings on 14^th April 2016. The Technical Committee meeting continued on the 15^th of April 2016 and was followed by a meeting of the Executive Committee, which reviewed the decisions taken at the various committee meetings for discussion at the General Assembly.

 

The General Assembly was held on the 16^th of April 2016 at the Great Hall of the University of Ghana. A summary of the deliberations are presented:

 

Opening

The meeting started at 9.00 a.m with a welcome address from the President, followed by self-introduction of members. The house acknowledged the presence of Dr. Daniel Apaak of UCC, the immediate past Secretary-General of GUSA who had returned from further studies.

 

20^th Inter-University Cross Country Race

The 20^th Inter-University Cross Country Race, held at UEW from 5^th to 8^th November 2015 was discussed extensively particularly the issue of student eligibility for the race. The Technical Committee was therefore mandated to prepare guidelines to resolve the eligibility problems in GUSA games and competitions.

The fact that no casualty was recorded in the race unlike previous competitions was highlighted.

 

24^TH GUSA Games

On the 24^th GUSA Games, held at UEW from 4^th-16^th January 2016, the following observations/discussions were made:

• The house observed that a number of protests were raised in respect of eligibility that had to be adjudicated upon by a Jury of Appeal. This clearly suggested that problems associated with student eligibility for GUSA games have still not been overcome. Members agreed to suggestions to have student information verified through the student portal system as part of the accreditation process.
• The use of student referees at GUSA games was discussed. This was against complaints that some of the referees’ decisions were questionable. The house however, decided to continue to use them but promised to give them orientation to update them on the rules of the game prior to their deployment.     
• On the controversy surrounding a coach doubling as a coordinator at an event involving the coach’s institution, it was agreed that the Chairman of the Technical Committee should appoint a neutral coach to act as the coordinator whenever such a situation arises.
• Host institutions of GUSA games and competitions were advised to refrain from the habit of changing games’ programmes intermittently as this affected the smooth running of the games.    
• Host institutions were also advised to comply with the GUSA guidelines for sponsorship by working harmoniously with the GUSA Fundraising Committee to solicit for sponsorship for future GUSA games. 
• The Evaluation Report on the 24^th GUSA Games was presented and discussed. It was observed that students were satisfied with accommodation, feeding, health services and the match venues. They were however, marginally satisfied with sanitation facilities at the games. On the overall, students were satisfied with the quality of organisation of the games, although they had reservations with the quality of officiating and the accreditation process. They also advocated for more entertainment to increase the socialisation content of the games.  The report, which was accepted by the house, is expected to serve as the foundation for improvement of future GUSA games.

 

 

7^th Mini GUSA Games

The University for Development Studies agreed to host the 7^th Mini GUSA Games at Tamale.  The date is yet to be communicated to member institutions.  

 

FASU Games

The house was informed of the Federation of African University Sports (FASU) games scheduled for South Africa from 23^rd June to 2^nd July 2016. The deadline for entries was given as 15^th April 2016. It was reiterated that FASU games were now organised on institutional basis and no more on national basis as it used to be. In line with this, three (3) member institutions indicated their intention to participate in the games namely: UG; KNUST; and UEW. They were advised to use Ethiopian Airlines to enjoy a rebate .

50^th Anniversary of GUSA

The President informed the house of the need to celebrate GUSA’s 50anniversary which falls this year. GUSA was founded in 1966. He was of the view that the climax of the golden jubilee celebration should coincide with the World University Sports Day on 30^th September 2016, declared by UNESCO

A five-member committee was constituted to draw a programme for the celebration. The members were: Dr. Bella Bello Bitugu (Chairman); Messrs Ibrahim Shaibu Tanko, Issahaku Mustapha, Ababio; and  Ms Jane Bekoe as members.

Audited Account of GUSA

The Treasurer presented the audited accounts of GUSA to the house. The account   was for the period from 1^st August 2014 to 31^st July 2015. It was prepared by the Internal Audit Directorate, University of Ghana.

The General Assembly is the highest decision-making body of GUSA. The membership of the General Assembly is drawn from member institutions. Each institution appoints to the Assembly: two student sports secretaries; a representative of the Vice-Chancellor; a representative of the Registrar; and full-time Coaches. The Assembly holds two meetings in a year normally at the beginning of each semester. The 107^th General Assembly was held at the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR), Sunyani in the Brong-Ahafo Region of Ghana.