When the final whistle blew in faraway Dalian, China, and the University for Development Studies (UDS) had pulled off the unthinkable – a 2-1 extra-time victory over Brazil’s Paulista University, the jubilation was not limited to the players on the pitch.
Back home in Ghana, the ripple effect of that triumph quickly swept through the highest offices of state, drawing praises and pride from leaders across the political divide.
Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, was among the first to salute the players.
His words were simple yet weighty:
“Congratulations on your amazing victory! You played like champions. Proud of you.”
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His deputy, Clement Apaak, added his own emphatic stamp, celebrating UDS for making the nation proud on a global stage.
Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams could not hold back his excitement. He singled out head coach Tanko, declaring:
“You promised and you have delivered. You represented Ghana and Africa well. Congratulations Congratulations Congratulations.”
From outside government, former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia hailed the “truly historic feat that has brought pride to Ghana and Africa.”
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, went further, framing the win as a tribute to Ghana’s founding father.
“This is a big gift to Dr Kwame Nkrumah in his birthday month. His words echo timelessly that the African is capable, and UDS has honoured those words,” he said, noting with pride that both of Ghana’s world football titles have come under African coaches.
The Deputy Minister of Health, Prof Grace Ayensu-Danquah, simply exclaimed, “Wow!! What a game.”
While political figure, Bernard Mornah, praised the “2-1 victory that secured the top prize in China,” Presidential Aide Joyce Bawah Mogtari needed just one word: “Awesome.”
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Meanwhile, watch interviews with Bahubali’s twin sister and promoter below
