The Department of Physical Education and Sport Studies (PESS) at the University of Ghana has partnered with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to organise a Licence D Coaching Course aimed at equipping participants with both theoretical knowledge and practical coaching skills.

A cross-section of participants

The eight-day programme, which runs from 15th to 22nd May, 2026, officially opened at the Graduate Lecture Hall of the Department of Psychology, University of Ghana. The ceremony brought together officials from the University of Ghana, representatives of the Ghana Football Association, instructors and participants.

The initiative reflects a growing commitment by both institutions to strengthen collaboration between academia and industry while creating professional pathways in sports and football coaching. Beyond technical training, the programme is expected to provide participants with a blend of academic insight and practical coaching experience needed within the evolving sports industry.

Professor Annabella Osei-Tutu, Physical Education and Sport Studies

Welcoming participants to the programme, the Head of the Department of Physical Education and Sport Studies, Professor Annabella Osei-Tutu, expressed appreciation to the Ghana Football Association for partnering with the University on what she described as an important and timely initiative.  According to Professor Osei-Tutu, the collaboration would enable trainees to combine classroom learning with practical coaching exposure, thereby enhancing their professional development.

She further described the programme as the beginning of what the Department hopes will become a long-standing partnership with the GFA in promoting sports development and football coaching education in Ghana.

Professor James Sefe Dzisah, Dean of the School of Education and Leadership

Delivering remarks at the opening ceremony, the Dean of the School of Education and Leadership, Professor James Sefe Dzisah, commended both the Department and the Ghana Football Association for spearheading the initiative.  He noted that the programme would equip participants with the requisite knowledge, skills and competencies needed to thrive within the sports profession.

Professor Dzisah further explained that the collaboration aligns with Priority Four of the University of Ghana Strategic Plan, which highlights engagement and partnerships. He therefore encouraged participants to approach the training with seriousness, discipline and commitment.  He also urged participants to take advantage of the newly introduced MPhil in Sports Management and Leadership offered by the Department of Physical Education and Sport Studies to further enhance their academic and professional growth.

Professor Joseph Kwame Mintah, Technical Director of the Ghana Football Association

Also speaking at the ceremony, Professor Joseph Kwame Mintah, Technical Director of the Ghana Football Association, welcomed participants and expressed gratitude to the University of Ghana for collaborating with the GFA to organise the coaching course. Professor Mintah described the initiative as the first partnership of its kind between the Ghana Football Association and an academic institution aimed at integrating theory with practice in football coaching education.

He encouraged participants to remain focused throughout the training period and to actively engage in both the theoretical and practical sessions.  According to Prof. Mintah, participants would be required to obtain a minimum score of 60 per cent in order to successfully complete the programme. He therefore advised them to pay close attention to every aspect of the training.

An instructor interacting with participants

Professor Mintah also highlighted the growing prominence and economic potential of sports and football coaching, encouraging participants to aspire to higher coaching qualifications beyond the Licence D certification, including Licences C, B and A.  He further assured participants that the programme would be facilitated by experienced instructors committed to delivering quality training and mentorship.

3rd from left: Professor Annabella Osei-Tutu, Head, Department of Physical Education and Sport Studies

Officially declaring the programme open, Professor Annabella Osei-Tutu, on behalf of the Department of Physical Education and Sport Studies, the School of Education and Leadership, the College of Education, the University of Ghana and the Ghana Football Association, stated that the carefully structured programme had been designed to equip participants with the requisite skills and knowledge needed to obtain the Licence D certification.

The opening ceremony was moderated by Dr. Vida Korleki Nyawornota, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Physical Education and Sport Studies and Mr. Andy Eshun, Administrative Manager of the Ghana Football Association.