The Department of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Sports (HPERS) at the University of Education, Winneba has successfully hosted the 2026 Advanced Handball Coaching and Officiating Course, aimed at strengthening the capacity of coaches and referees across Ghana.
The four-day programme, held from 21st to 24th March 2026, was organised in collaboration with the Central Region Handball Association and the Handball Association of Ghana. It brought together participants from various backgrounds with a shared goal of advancing their expertise in handball coaching and officiating.
Designed to support talent development nationwide, the course featured a blend of intensive theoretical instruction and practical training sessions. Participants were taken through key areas including modern coaching techniques, interpretation of the rules of the game, officiating procedures, and effective match management. These sessions were structured to equip attendees with the skills and confidence required to perform at a high level in both coaching and refereeing roles.
Speaking on the significance of the programme, Prof. Munkaila Seibu emphasised its long-term impact on the sport:
“This course represents a significant step in strengthening the foundation of handball development in Ghana. By equipping coaches and referees with modern knowledge and practical skills, we are not only improving the standard of the game but also investing in the future of our young talents. It is our expectation that participants will go on to make meaningful contributions to the growth of handball across the country.”
A major highlight of the programme is its climax—a competitive handball tournament scheduled for Tuesday, 24th March 2026. The event, organised by Level 200 students of the HPERS Department studying “Teaching Handball”, will serve as the final practical assessment for participants. During the tournament, trainees will be given the opportunity to apply their knowledge in real match situations, officiating games and demonstrating coaching competencies under supervision.
The course is being coordinated by Prof. Seibu, who serves as Chairman of the Central Region Handball Association, Chairman of the Research and Training Committee of the Handball Association of Ghana, and a lecturer in the HPERS Department at UEW.
Resource persons for the programme include top officials from the Handball Association of Ghana: Mr. Charles W. Mensah, DSP Theophilus Quarmyne, and Mr. George Bankole, all of whom brought a wealth of experience and insight to the training sessions.
The organising committee, comprising Kingsley Wisdom Baffoe, Raphael Hiatepe-Tekali, Atobrah Emmanuel Donkor, and Ezekiel Awanya, ensured the smooth running of the programme.
Overall, the course has been widely regarded as both educational and impactful, marking a significant step forward in the development of handball coaching and officiating in Ghana. It is expected that participants will play a vital role in nurturing emerging talent and promoting the growth of the sport nationwide.