Sports Minister Kofi Adams opens Ghana’s first-ever Sports Psychology course
Ghana Launches First-Ever Sports Psychology Certificate Course
Ghana has introduced its first certificate course in sports psychology, emphasizing the vital role of mental preparedness in athletic success. The initiative, launched by Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Iddie Adams, aims to integrate psychology into training, coaching, and sports management.
Speaking at the Accra Sports Stadium on March 24, 2025, the Minister stressed that mental resilience is key to athlete performance, often determining success or failure in competitions. He highlighted the need for psychological training to help athletes overcome challenges like stage fright and intimidation. He also urged the media to promote positive narratives that uplift Ghanaian sportsmen and women.
About the Course
Organized by the National Sports College (NSC) and the National Sports Authority (NSA), the five-day certificate programme ran from March 24 to March 28, 2025, providing professional training in sports psychology, a field typically studied at advanced levels. Fuseini Bawa, Acting Director of NSC, emphasized that while Ghana has talent and strategy, psychological training has been the missing element in sports development.
The programme was a huge success, with 70 registered participants and 20 additional observers, surpassing expectations. Due to high demand, organizers have announced plans to host another cohort later in the year, with future courses expanding to diploma and degree levels. Sports clubs and federations were encouraged to integrate trained professionals into their teams.
Future of Sports Psychology in Ghana
Course facilitator Dr. Elvis Hagan Jnr. called for sustained investment in sports psychology, urging its institutionalization as an annual or biennial programme to enhance local coaching expertise. NSA Acting Director General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah hailed the initiative as historic and pledged support for future training.
Facilitated by Dr. Elvis Hagan Jnr. and Dr. Medina Srem-Sai, the course is accredited by the National Sports College, marking a significant step toward advancing scientific support for athletes in Ghana. With the success of the first cohort, plans are underway to organize another session later in 2025, further strengthening Ghana’s approach to mental training in sports.
NSA Pledges Continued Support
Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, Acting Director General of the NSA, hailed the initiative as groundbreaking and pledged support for future training programs. He expressed optimism about the long-term benefits of integrating sports psychology into Ghana’s sports development strategy.
Professional Certification
The program, facilitated by Dr. Elvis Hagan Jnr. (Germany) and Dr. Medina Srem-Sai (University of Education, Winneba), is Ghana’s only accredited professional certificate course in sports psychology. Participants receive certification from the National Sports College, reinforcing Ghana’s commitment to advancing sports science and athlete development.