Certificate in Sports Psychology Training Commences in Accra
The National Sports College, Winneba, in partnership with the National Sports Authority, has launched a four-day Certificate in Sports Psychology program aimed at equipping sports professionals with the psychological tools necessary to enhance athletic performance.
The training, which is taking place at the Accra Sports Stadium from March 24 to March 27, 2025, seeks to address the mental and psychological challenges faced by athletes and coaches to improve their overall performance.
The opening ceremony was graced by key stakeholders, including the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, Acting Director National Sports Authority Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, and Bawa Fuseini, Acting Director of the National Sports College.
The acting of National Sports College Bawa Fuseini emphasized the importance of integrating psychology into sports and called for greater support from the Ministry to sustain such programs.
“Talent and performance alone will not take Ghana to the top. We need to focus on the psychological side of sports and offer this kind of training to athletes and coaches nationwide,” he stated.
In his address, Minister Kofi Adams underscored the vital role psychology plays in sports success, stating that mental preparedness is as crucial as physical conditioning.
He noted that many athletes perform well in training but underperform during competitions due to psychological barriers, including stage fright and intimidation.
By integrating sports psychology into athlete training, coaches can prepare their athletes holistically.
The Minister also acknowledged the role of the media in promoting sports and urged sports journalists to highlight positive stories that inspire athletes and boost their confidence.
He pointed out that media narratives focused solely on criticism can negatively impact athletes’ psyche and overall performance.
He expressed optimism about expanding the program to include training sessions for the sports media to better understand the psychological aspects of sports.
Minister Adams further revealed that the Ministry had been working behind the scenes to address broader issues in Ghana’s sports sector, including resource allocation and support for national teams.
He cited the importance of strategic communication, explaining that during crucial moments, such as World Cup qualifiers, the Ministry deliberately focused on encouraging the team rather than raising contentious issues that could distract them.
He emphasized the need for continuous psychological training for athletes, coaches, and media professionals to enhance Ghana’s sports development.
One of the resource persons, Dr. Elvis Hagan Jr. from Germany, highlighted the significance of sports psychology, lamenting how it has been neglected in Ghana for years.
“I was glad to hear that the Black Stars have appointed a professional sports psychologist. It is a step in the right direction because the human brain processes a lot of information, and how we handle that information can make or break an athlete’s performance,” Dr. Hagan said.
The training features expert facilitators, including Dr. Hagan Jr. and Dr. Medina from the University of Education, Winneba. Participants, drawn from various sports disciplines, will engage in sessions on mental resilience, stress management, focus, and emotional regulation, all geared toward enhancing performance at the highest level.
By; Victoria Nana Adwoa Kwofie
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