Author: Victoria Nana Adwoa Kwofie
The National Sports College, Winneba, in collaboration with the National Sports Authority (NSA), has successfully concluded a four-day sports psychology training program at the Accra Sports Stadium. The training aimed to equip sports professionals with essential psychological skills to enhance athletic performance and attracted participants from various sectors across Ghana.
The brief closing ceremony was graced by the Minister for Sports and Recreation Honorable Kofi Adams, Acting Director General of the NSA, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, along with his two deputies, representatives from Ghana Athletics, the National Sports College, and the NSA.
The Sports Minister emphasized the importance of applying the knowledge gained to improve sports in Ghana. “I encourage you to become ambassadors of the program by demonstrating noticeable changes in their professional conduct and recommending the training to others”. He highlighted that personal recommendations are a powerful way to promote such initiatives and emphasized the need for continuous learning, urging participants to review the reference materials provided and engage in further self-development to deepen their understanding of sports psychology.
The Honorable Minister commended participants for their time consciousness, attentiveness, and overall commitment to the program, despite its non-residential nature. He assured them that efforts would be made to improve training facilities, including potentially hosting future sessions as residential programs at the National Sports College in Winneba. He stressed the critical role of psychology in enhancing athletic performance and pledged the ministry’s continued support in training more sports professionals. Finally, he urged participants to become agents of change, focus on talent identification, and inspire young athletes to unlock their potential, contributing to the overall growth of sports in Ghana.
Acting Director General Bawa Fuseini expressed satisfaction with the turnout and engagement of the participants. “I am impressed with the number of participants, their readiness for our resource persons, and the experiences they shared with us. I know our next training will be even better than what we’ve seen here,” he remarked.
Acting Director General of the National Sports Authority Yaw Ampofo Ankrah encouraged participants to apply the knowledge gained both on and off the field. “Don’t just see this as a piece of paper or a certificate. Make good use of it. Let it impact athletes around you effectively,” he advised.
Some participants also shared their experiences, reflecting on how the training had enriched them professionally.
Edmond Ackah, Manager of FC Smartex, said, “I am happy to be here because what we’ve learned is more advanced and will benefit my work. I’ve even discussed with my club owner the possibility of allowing other staff members to attend future sessions, as this training covers all departments and will greatly help our club.”
Adom Serwaa Hannah, a physical education teacher at Nsaba Presbyterian Senior High School, highlighted how the training had transformed her perspective. “The training has built my confidence and high esteem in sports. Initially, I thought being a coach was just about winning. But now I’ve learned that psyching up your players is essential, and with the right psychological morale, the winning will follow naturally. This program has truly enriched me, and I’m highly elated to be part of it,” she said.
Participants were awarded certificates and souvenirs at the end of the program.