Forty aspiring football coaches have graduated from the maiden Ghana Football Association (GFA)-University of Ghana Coaching Course, marking a significant milestone in a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening grassroots football development through education, capacity building and collaboration.
A cross-section of participants
The eight-day intensive programme, jointly organised by the University of Ghana's Department of Physical Education and Sport Studies (PESS) and the Ghana Football Association, combined classroom instruction with practical training sessions to equip participants with essential coaching, leadership and safeguarding skills. The initiative reflects the shared commitment of both institutions to nurturing the next generation of football coaches and advancing the development of the sport in Ghana.
Professor Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe, Provost of the College of Education
Chairing the closing ceremony, the Provost of the College of Education, Professor Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe, commended participants, instructors and organisers for the successful execution of the programme. He described the collaboration between the University and the GFA as a model partnership capable of delivering meaningful and sustainable outcomes.
Professor Codjoe expressed satisfaction with the positive feedback from GFA officials regarding their collaboration with the PESS faculty and highlighted the enthusiasm displayed by participants throughout the training and at the closing ceremony. He encouraged the graduates to continue investing in their personal and professional development and drew attention to leadership development opportunities available through the University's Legon Leadership Academy.
A cross-section of participants
The Provost also appealed for future editions of the programme to be expanded to accommodate the growing interest among prospective participants. He subsequently declared the successful completion of the first cohort of the GFA-PESS Coaching Course.
Professor Annabella Osei-Tutu, Department of Physical Education and Sport Studies
Earlier, the Head of the Department of Physical Education and Sport Studies, Professor Annabella Osei-Tutu, described the programme as a significant achievement for both institutions and reaffirmed the University's commitment to partnerships that promote sports development and excellence.
She disclosed that the idea for the collaborative coaching course originated from Professor Codjoe and thanked the Ghana Football Association for embracing the initiative. Professor Osei-Tutu also commended participants for their discipline, enthusiasm and commitment throughout the training period, noting that coordinating the programme had been both demanding and rewarding.
Far right: Mr. Andy Eshun, Administrative Manager, GFA
Representing the Ghana Football Association, Mr. Andy Eshun, Administrative Manager, GFA, described the programme as an unprecedented initiative and congratulated participants on successfully completing the rigorous training. “Eight days ago, many participants arrived with great expectations. Today, you leave with valuable knowledge and a deeper understanding of coaching,” he said.
Mr. Eshun conveyed the compliments of the President of the Ghana Football Association, Mr. Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, who was unable to attend due to engagements related to preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He noted that the programme achieved its target enrolment of 40 participants, comprising 36 men and four women, all of whom actively participated in the training. He also commended course instructors Mr. Abubakari Damba, Mr. Charles Amakye Frimpong and Mr. Isaac Ayeh for their dedication and professionalism.
1st from left: Mr. Abubakari Damba, Lead Instructor
Speaking on behalf of the instructors, Lead Instructor Mr. Abubakari Damba highlighted the comprehensive nature of the programme, which integrated theory and practical training sessions to provide participants with a solid foundation in football coaching. “A good coach must know how to organise sessions, develop players and understand the culture of grassroots football,” he stated, urging participants to apply the knowledge acquired and continue developing their expertise.
Lead Instructor Mr. Abubakari Damba engages participants in a lively reflection on songs and memorable moments from the eight-day GFA-PESS Coaching Course during the closing ceremony
Mr. Damba further commended the graduates for their discipline, resilience and professionalism and acknowledged the support of the PESS faculty and the FIFA safeguarding team.
The successful completion of the maiden GFA-PESS Coaching Course underscores the commitment of the University of Ghana and the Ghana Football Association to advancing football development through education, innovation and strategic partnership. With plans already underway for a second cohort, the initiative is poised to make a lasting contribution to grassroots football coaching in Ghana.
