March 26, 2026
The School of Sports and Exercise Medicine (SSEM) of the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) marked the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP) on Friday, April 4, 2025 under the theme ‘Healthier Communities, Stronger Nations: The Role of Sports in Public Health’ at the University’s Professor Anyidoho Auditorium, Ho. The event happened to be the first to be held in Ghana.
The Ag. Dean of School of Sports and Exercise Medicine, Professor Nii Korley Kortei, in his welcome address gave a brief historical background of the celebration. He said the late H. E. Kofi Annan (Former UN Secretary General), having appreciated the importance of sports in the promotion of development and peace among UN organizations as well as member nations, masterminded the initiation of the celebration in 2013. He gave the assurance that UHAS-SSEM will champion this celebration every year in Ghana to draw attention to the impact of sports on the ecosystem. ‘Sports is more than just a game, it’s a catalyst for change,’ as it fosters inclusion, promotes teamwork and instills values such as perseverance, respect and fair play, values that are important in building an impactful world, he said.
Professor Kortei completed his address by encouraging institutions to support and collaborate with SSEM to conduct cutting-edge research and advocate for safe and inclusive practices that will demonstrate how sports can be harnessed for the betterment of humanity. The Dean used the occasion to call on audience to reaffirm their ‘commitment to leveraging the power of sports to address public health challenges.’
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Lydia Aziato, in her remarks, commended the Dean and Faculty for bringing UHAS to the map of institutions that observe the day. She said SSEM is mandated to train experts to, among other things, take care of the health needs of sports men by prescribing specific exercises to solve various health problems. Professor Aziato entreated parents to take key interest in the varied healthcare programmes that the University offers, when assisting their wards in the selection of University programmes.
The Vice Chancellor also appealed to government to assist the University in acquiring all equipment and training facilities required for the adequate training of these much-needed professionals.
The Registrar, Ms. Yaa Amankwaa Opuni, delivered an address entitled ‘The University’s position on Sports for Development and Peace’. She said ‘UHAS recognizes the role of sports in fostering wholistic development, enhancing Public Health and contributing to national growth.’ Ms. Opuni underscored the fact that the approach of the University to Sports Development is guided by three key pillars, namely health and wellbeing, talent development and competitive excellence and community engagement and national development.
The Registrar concluded by stating that the steadfast commitment of the University to sports development as a means to build a healthier community and a stronger nation is evidence in the integration of sports into the academic programmes and the strive to cultivate the culture of fitness, team work and excellence that benefits individuals and the society at large.
The Volta Regional Director of Sports, Mrs. Joyce Datsa, in her remarks as the Chairperson for the occasion said Sports has become irreplaceable in maintaining public health, amidst today’s health challenges. She noted that in the sphere of increasingly busy lifestyles and unbalanced diets, the importance of exercise as a key pillar of public health is becoming increasingly relevant.
The Volta Regional Director of Sports acclaimed that exercise has been shown to have a positive impact on people’s mental well-being by stimulating the release of endorphins to reduce stress hormones, anxiety and depression. Mrs. Datsa ended her speech by urging all to embrace the transformative power of sports for healthier communities, stronger nations and a healthier world.
Honourable Jerry Amevor, District Chief Executive (DCE) of Adaklu delivered the Keynote Address on behalf of the Volta Regional Minister, Honourable James Gunu. He stated that Sports as a pillar of Public Health and physical activity is one of the most effective ways to prevent heart disease, diabetes and hypertension. He said ‘in an era where sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy eating habits have led to a rise in obesity and chronic illnesses, engaging in regular sports activities can serve as a preventive and curative measure.’
Hon. Amevor entreated all stakeholders to assist in investing in sports facilities to promote physical education in schools and physical activities in the local communities. He reiterated the readiness of the Volta Regional Minister to collaborate with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Ghana Health Service and other relevant institutions to promote policies that will encourage active lifestyle.
Others who made presentations on the occasion include Mr. Kwesi Tetteh Amanor, CEO of Republic Trust Ltd. Company, Dr. Frank Appiah Kusi, lecturer of SSEM and Dr. Joy Akameze, Ag. HoD of Sports and Exercise Medical Sciences.
The presentations were followed by panel discussions on the theme of the occasion.
The panelists touched on nutrition, injury and recovery period, financial planning or stability, policies for development with regards to athletes, etc.
Present at the event were Deans, Directors, Faculty and Staff of the University.