Ghana, Belarus discuss sports training and scholarship deal

Ghana and Belarus have held talks on a proposed agreement to train coaches, provide scholarships, and improve sports science as part of efforts to strengthen athlete development.

Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams met his Belarusian counterpart, Sergey Kovalchuk, on the sidelines of the 14th International Sports Forum “Russia: Country of Sports” in Krasnoyarsk, Russia.

The discussions focused on coach education, sports medicine, scholarships, and the development of school and grassroots sports.

Mr Adams said improving coaching standards was a priority for Ghana and expressed interest in learning from Belarus’s experience.

“Coaching and training are really key,” he said.

Mr Kovalchuk said Belarus was ready to explore scholarship opportunities and technical training for Ghanaian coaches through its state universities and specialist sports institutions.

Wrestling, rowing, and weightlifting were among the disciplines identified as potential areas for cooperation.

The two ministers also discussed sports science and medicine, with Mr Kovalchuk outlining Belarus’s investment in a dedicated sports science and medical centre, as well as specialised sports schools and Olympic training facilities.

Mr Adams said cooperation in these areas could help Ghana develop the expertise needed to support athletes throughout their careers.

“We have so many areas we have to collaborate in,” he said.

The discussions also covered educational opportunities for young Ghanaians and ways to strengthen school and grassroots sports.

Mr Kovalchuk acknowledged Ghana’s achievements in football, boxing, and Olympic competition, saying both countries could benefit from sharing their experience.

The ministers also referred to President John Dramani Mahama’s visit to Belarus earlier this year, which included discussions on cooperation in agriculture and other sectors.

Mr Kovalchuk invited Mr. Adams to visit Belarus and suggested that a memorandum of understanding could be signed during the trip once its terms had been agreed.

Mr Adams expressed interest in studying Belarus’s sports system and requested a draft agreement for consideration.

The proposed memorandum is expected to provide a framework for cooperation in coach training, scholarships, sports science, and grassroots development. However, no agreement has yet been signed.