Ghana and Belarus are exploring a proposed sports cooperation agreement aimed at improving coach education, scholarship opportunities, sports science and grassroots sports development.

The discussions were held between Ghana’s Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Iddie Adams, and Belarusian Minister of Sports Sergey Kovalchuk on the sidelines of the 14th International Sports Forum, “Russia: Country of Sports,” in Krasnoyarsk, Russia.

The proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is expected to provide a framework for cooperation between the two countries in developing athletes and strengthening their sports systems.

Coach Education and Scholarships

During the meeting, Kofi Adams highlighted the importance of improving coaching standards and technical education in Ghana.

He expressed interest in learning from Belarus’s experience to help strengthen the training and development of Ghanaian coaches.

“Coaching and training is really key,” Mr Adams said, emphasising the need to equip coaches with the knowledge and skills required to nurture young sporting talent.

In response, Sergey Kovalchuk expressed readiness to explore scholarship opportunities and technical training programmes for Ghanaian coaches through Belarusian state universities and specialised sports institutions.

Wrestling, rowing and weightlifting were identified as potential areas of collaboration between the two countries.

The proposed partnership could also create educational opportunities for young Ghanaians interested in sports-related studies and professional training.

Sports Science and Medicine

Sports science and medicine also featured prominently in the discussions.

Mr Kovalchuk outlined Belarus’s investment in a dedicated sports science and medical centre, alongside its network of specialised sports schools and Olympic training institutions.

Mr Adams welcomed the opportunity to learn from Belarus’s approach, expressing interest in training programmes that could help Ghana develop expertise in sports science and sports medicine.

Such cooperation could support improvements in athlete preparation, injury prevention, rehabilitation and performance monitoring.

Developing School and Grassroots Sports

The two ministers also discussed ways to strengthen school sports and grassroots development.

Mr Adams stressed the importance of creating opportunities for young people to develop their sporting abilities through education, structured training and access to qualified coaches.

The proposed collaboration could help Ghana strengthen the pathways through which young athletes are identified, trained and supported as they progress towards higher levels of competition.

Sergey Kovalchuk also acknowledged Ghana’s achievements in football, boxing and Olympic competition, noting that both countries could benefit from sharing their experience and expertise.

MoU Yet to Be Finalised

The discussions also built on diplomatic engagement between Ghana and Belarus following President John Dramani Mahama’s visit to Belarus earlier in 2026.

During the meeting, Mr Kovalchuk invited his Ghanaian counterpart to visit Belarus and suggested that the proposed MoU could be signed during the visit once both sides had agreed on its terms.

Mr Adams expressed interest in studying Belarus’s sports development system firsthand and requested a draft of the proposed agreement for consideration.

The MoU has not yet been finalised. Its implementation will depend on the outcome of further discussions and agreement on the terms of cooperation.

If concluded, the partnership could create opportunities for coach training, scholarships, sports science exchanges and stronger school and grassroots sports development in Ghana.

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