Professor Leapetswe Malete (fifth from left) in a group photograph with faculty members of the Department of Physical Education and Sports Studies
The Department of Physical Education and Sports Studies, under the School of Education and Leadership, recently hosted Professor Leapetswe Malete from Michigan State University (MSU), as part of efforts to promote international collaboration in sports education and youth development.
The visit forms part of the Department’s broader strategy to boost international engagement, enhance its visibility and cultivate strategic partnerships, in alignment with the University of Ghana’s Strategic Plan (2024–2029).
Professor Gordon S.K. Adika, Dean of the School of Education and Leadership (third from left) in a group picture with Professor Leapetswe Malete and faculty members from the School
Led by the Head of Department, Professor Annabella Osei-Tutu, the MSU scholar paid courtesy calls on the Provost of the College of Education, Professor Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe, and the Dean of the School of Education and Leadership, Professor Gordon S.K. Adika. During these meetings, Professor Osei-Tutu outlined the rationale behind Professor Malete’s visit, highlighting its significance in strengthening the department’s global outlook and research footprint.
Faculty members presenting a souvenir to Professor Leapetswe Malete
Professor Malete also engaged with faculty members at the Department of Physical Education and Sports Studies in a series of discussions centred on capacity building, staff development and collaborative research. He expressed keen interest in the department’s ongoing initiatives and stressed his commitment to supporting the establishment of data centres at the University of Ghana to facilitate research in sport, health and youth development.
The highlight of the visit was a virtual seminar held on 15th July, 2025, themed “Youth, Sport and Sustainable Development in Africa: Higher Education’s Role in the Development Ecosystem.” The well-attended seminar drew participation from faculty, staff and students across disciplines.
In her opening address, Professor Osei-Tutu encouraged participants to reflect on the transformative role of sport in education, health and socio-economic development. She underscored the importance of cross-sector collaboration in shaping sustainable futures for African youth.
Delivering the seminar, Professor Malete called for increased investment in the sports industry, health sectors and policy interventions, particularly those aligned with Strategic Priorities 1 to 4 of the University of Ghana’s Strategic Plan. These include enhancing the student experience, promoting impactful research, committing to faculty and staff development and deepening engagement and partnerships.
“Sport is not merely about physical performance,” he remarked. “It is a powerful tool for advancing health, education and economic growth. Universities have an important role to play in shaping this ecosystem.”
He added that his visit marked the beginning of a long-term partnership aimed at advancing research and innovation in sport and youth development across the continent.
“This is not a one-off engagement,” he affirmed. “It is the foundation for a sustained relationship that will drive transformational change.”
The visit is expected to catalyse future collaborations between the University of Ghana and Michigan State University, particularly in areas of joint research, staff development, training and policy advocacy in sport and education.