Ghana and Belarus are considering a sports cooperation agreement that would focus on coach education, scholarship opportunities, sports science and the development of school and grassroots sports.

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

The meeting provided an opportunity for both countries to identify areas of mutual interest and explore ways to improve athlete development through knowledge-sharing and institutional collaboration.

Mr Adams highlighted the need to strengthen coaching and technical education in Ghana, noting that expertise in these areas would be essential to the country’s ongoing sports reforms.

“Coaching and training is really key,” he said, emphasising the importance of equipping Ghanaian coaches with the necessary skills to develop young athletes.

Mr Kovalchuk expressed Belarus’s readiness to explore scholarship programmes and technical training opportunities for Ghanaian coaches through its state universities and specialised sports institutions. Wrestling, rowing and weightlifting were among the disciplines identified as potential areas of cooperation.

The Ghanaian minister also called for the proposed partnership to provide educational opportunities for young people and support the growth of school and grassroots sports.

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

Sports science and medicine were also discussed, with Mr Kovalchuk outlining Belarus’s investment in a dedicated sports science and medical centre, alongside specialised sports schools and Olympic training institutions.

Mr Adams welcomed the investments and expressed interest in opportunities that would enable Ghana to develop its own expertise in sports science and medicine.

The proposed collaboration is expected to address key areas of Ghana’s sports development, including coach education, grassroots structures and access to specialised knowledge to improve athlete preparation and performance.

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

The engagement also builds on diplomatic relations following President John Dramani Mahama’s visit to Belarus earlier this year. Hon. Adams referenced the agricultural cooperation discussed during the visit and welcomed the opportunity to extend bilateral collaboration into sports.

Mr Kovalchuk subsequently invited Mr Adams to visit Belarus, proposing that the memorandum of understanding could be signed during the visit once both parties had agreed on its terms.

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

The proposed agreement would provide a framework for coach training, scholarship opportunities, sports science exchanges and institutional cooperation, potentially strengthening Ghana’s efforts to create a more effective development pathway for young sporting talent.