The University of Ghana has taken another strategic step towards expanding its international academic reach by hosting Professor Mark Rumanelli from the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein, Austria, to deepen collaboration in sports education and exchange programmes.
As part of its commitment to building global partnerships, the University of Ghana, through its Department of Physical Education and Sport Studies (PESS) in collaboration with International Programmes Office (IPO), welcomed Professor Rumanelli for a week-long visit aimed at enhancing Erasmus+ mobility opportunities and fostering bilateral academic exchange in sports and related disciplines.
Right: Professor Annabelle Osei-Tutu, Head of the Department of Physical Education and Sport Studies (PESS)
In her remarks, Professor Annabelle Osei-Tutu, Head of the Department of Physical Education and Sport Studies (PESS), expressed the department’s delight at hosting Professor Rumanelli. She noted that his visit marked a significant moment for academic collaboration and engagement. Highlighting the activities planned during his stay, Professor Osei-Tutu drew attention to an upcoming virtual seminar themed “Bidding Beyond the Game: The Legacies of Unsuccessful Sports Event Bids on Host Locations.” The seminar, she added, promises to offer critical insights into the often-overlooked impacts of failed sports bids on aspiring host cities.
Prof. Jemima Asabea Anderson, Dean of the International Programmes Office
During the meeting, Prof. Jemima Asabea Anderson, Dean of the International Programmes Office, underscored the significance of making the most out of international academic visits. “These are experts from around the world and we are very fortunate to have them on the ground here,” she said. “So, while they are here, let’s learn from them and extend their expertise to different groups.” She further called for greater engagement with stakeholders from government and industry, particularly in the sports sector and urged the Department of Physical Education and Sport Studies (PESS) to actively explore additional Erasmus+ mobility collaborations with European institutions offering sports programmes.
Second from left: Dr. Bella Bello Bitugu, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Physical Education and Sport Studies
Dr. Bella Bello Bitugu, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Physical Education and Sport Studies and the programme coordinator, introduced Professor Rumanelli and emphasised the need for reciprocity in international exchanges. “We said it cannot be one-sided. Let us try and make it a two-sided thing so our students can also participate,” he noted. He explained that earlier phases of the programme only supported Austrian students, but the latest Erasmus+ grant now enables the exchange of one faculty member from each institution and includes one University of Ghana student, Ms. Esther Asare, a level 300 student, who is set to travel to Austria this September.
First from left: Professor Rumanelli, Department of Sports, Culture and Event Management at Kufstein
Expressing his appreciation for the warm reception, Professor Rumanelli, who teaches in the Department of Sports, Culture and Event Management at Kufstein, Austria, highlighted the value of experiencing the University of Ghana campus in person. “Anybody can say what they’ve seen on a video,” he remarked. “It’s another thing to talk about walking across campus, what the student housing looks like and where the best places are for lunch. That kind of firsthand knowledge really helps me to encourage exchange.” He also shared his excitement about meeting Ms Esther Asare, the incoming UG exchange student and reaffirmed his institution’s commitment to internationalisation and student engagement.
Professor Rumanelli’s visit includes leading four major sessions: a student forum on international study and career opportunities, two lectures on Globalisation and Project Management and a virtual session targeting both academic and industry stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministry of Sports and the Ghana Olympic Committee. Of the four sessions, three to be held locally, one of which will be hybrid, while one expected to be conducted virtually for external participants.
Beyond the academic engagements, arrangement had been made for Professor Rumanelli to tour key heritage sites such as Cape Coast Castle and Kakum National Park, offering him deeper insight into Ghana’s cultural history and heritage.
This collaborative exchange is a significant milestone in the University of Ghana’s broader vision to strengthen its international profile, promote academic mobility and create meaningful global partnerships that deliver lasting educational and professional benefits.
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