Ghana’s Minister for Sports and Recreation, Hon. Kofi Iddie Adams, has discussed a proposed sports cooperation agreement with Belarus counterpart Sergey Kovalchuk, including coach education, scholarships, sports science and the development of school and grassroots sport.
The talks were held on the sidelines of the 14th International Sports Forum “Russia: Country of Sports” in Krasnoyarsk. The ministers examined how the two countries could strengthen the systems responsible for developing athletes and supporting young talent.
Mr Adams said coaching and technical education were key priorities for Ghana as it continues with reforms across its sports sector. He expressed interest in Belarus’s approach and in adapting relevant aspects of its experience.
“Coaching and training is really key,” Mr Adams said, while welcoming the prospect of improving the expertise of Ghanaian coaches and the support provided to developing athletes.
Mr Kovalchuk said Belarus was prepared to consider scholarship and technical training opportunities for Ghanaian coaches through its state universities and specialist sporting institutions. He identified wrestling, rowing and weightlifting as disciplines in which the two countries could work together.
Mr Adams also said the proposed partnership should benefit young Ghanaians through educational opportunities, particularly in areas that could strengthen school and grassroots sports.
“We have so many areas we have to collaborate in,” he said.
Sports science and medicine were also central to the discussions. Mr Kovalchuk outlined Belarus’s investment in a dedicated sports science and medical centre, as well as its network of specialised sports schools and Olympic training institutions.
Mr Adams praised the investment in scientific support for athletes and showed interest in training opportunities that could help Ghana build expertise in sports science and medicine.
The discussions focused on practical needs within Ghana’s domestic sports system, including the development of qualified coaches, stronger school sports structures and improved access to specialist knowledge throughout an athlete’s development.
Mr Kovalchuk recognised Ghana’s achievements in football, boxing and Olympic competition. He said both countries had strengths and experience that could provide a basis for mutually beneficial cooperation.
The ministers also referred to President John Dramani Mahama’s visit to Belarus earlier this year. Mr Adams noted that agriculture had been a major focus of that visit and welcomed the possibility of expanding cooperation to sports development.
Mr Kovalchuk invited Mr Adams to visit Belarus and suggested that the proposed memorandum could be signed during the visit once its terms had been finalised.
Mr Adams said he was interested in examining the Belarusian sports system firsthand and requested a draft memorandum for review.
The proposed agreement would provide a formal framework for training, educational exchanges and institutional cooperation, with the aim of giving young Ghanaian athletes a stronger foundation for development.
