Ghana’s first-ever certificate program in sports psychology was formally opened by Minister of Sports and Recreation Kofi Iddie Adams, who called for greater attention to be paid to the crucial role that mental readiness plays in athletic achievement.
The Minister emphasized that psychology must be embraced by Ghana’s sports industry as a fundamental component of coaching, management, and training during the opening ceremony held on Monday, March 24, 2025, at the Accra Sports Stadium.
“Sports cannot grow if all the elements are not examined. We used to be less concerned with athletes’ mental preparation, but psychology plays a significant role in their performance,” he said.
He emphasized that para-athletes and other athletes with physical disabilities are able to succeed in spite of their limitations because they possess psychological resilience. Additionally, he pointed out that psychological obstacles may affect otherwise gifted athletes, saying:
Because psychology was not taken into consideration during training, it is possible for an athlete to excel in training yet struggle in competition. International competition terrify some athletes, while others suffer from stage fright. Our players will be more equipped to provide their best effort if our trainers comprehend this and apply psychology to their work.
The Minister also urged journalists to focus on good stories that inspire and motivate Ghanaian athletes, saying that the media can help shape athletes’ mentalities.
Therefore
The National Sports Authority (NSA) and the National Sports College (NSC) collaborated to organize the five-day training, which is the first of its type in Ghana. It seeks to close the psychological training gap in the sports industry.
Fuseini Bawa, the National Sports College’s acting director general, emphasized the course’s significance by stating that although sports psychology is often studied at the doctoral level, this program offers an approachable professional certificate degree.
We have always had talent, strategy, and competitiveness in Ghana. “The psychological component of sports is something we have always lacked,” he said.
With 70 registered participants and 20 observers, Bawa disclosed that the program had exceeded its capacity. He promised stakeholders that due to great demand, comparable courses will be offered soon, with plans to eventually extend to certificate and degree levels.
Additionally, he encouraged clubs and sports federations to make use of the program’s trained specialists.
“What is the point of sponsoring someone to attend this training if you never use them? He emphasized, “We want to make sure that the information and skills gained here are used effectively.
Demands sustained investment in sports psychology
Dr. Elvis Hagan Jr., one of the course facilitators, emphasized the significance of sports psychology on a worldwide scale and advocated for continued funding in Ghana.
“Sports psychology is receiving a lot of scientific backing in many countries, but in Ghana, we have long given it lip service. He said, “This initiative is a critical step in the right direction.”
In order to maintain continuity and improve the scientific proficiency of local coaches and physical education instructors, Dr. Hagan recommended that the course be formalized as an annual or biannual program.
The NSA promises to assist sports psychology.
Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, the National Sports Authority’s (NSA) acting director general, praised the move as historic as well.
We are aware of the significance of psychology in daily life as well as in sports. It is an honor for me to be a part of this historic occasion,” he said.
He promised the NSA’s support for further sports psychology training programs and expressed hope that the course will assist Ghana’s athletic community in the long run.
Dr. Medina Srem-Sai from the University of Education, Winneba, and Dr. Elvis Hagan Jr. from Germany are leading the five-day certificate program.
The National Sports College, the only recognized organization in Ghana authorized to grant such credentials, will award professional certificates to participants.
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