The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 14th International Sports Forum, “Russia: Country of Sports,” in Krasnoyarsk, where the two ministers explored opportunities to strengthen the systems that support athlete development in both countries.
Adams identified coaching and technical education as key priorities for Ghana, expressing interest in learning from Belarus’s experience and applying relevant lessons to the country’s ongoing sports reforms.
“Coaching and training is really key,” he said, emphasising the need to develop the expertise of Ghanaian coaches and improve the support available to young athletes.
In response, Mr Kovalchuk expressed readiness to explore scholarship opportunities and technical training programmes for Ghanaian coaches through Belarusian state universities and specialised sporting institutions.
He highlighted wrestling, rowing and weightlifting as disciplines with potential for cooperation between the two countries.
Adams also called for the proposed partnership to create educational opportunities for young Ghanaians, particularly in areas that could strengthen school sports and grassroots development.
“We have so many areas we have to collaborate in,” he said.
Sports science and medicine also featured prominently in 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.
Adams welcomed the investment in scientific support for athletes and expressed interest in training opportunities that would help Ghana build expertise in sports science and medicine.
For Ghana, the proposed cooperation would address practical needs within the domestic sports system, including the development of qualified coaches, stronger school sports structures and access to specialised knowledge to support athletes at different stages of their development.
Mr Kovalchuk also acknowledged Ghana’s achievements in football, boxing and Olympic competition, noting that both countries had experience and strengths from which they could benefit.
The two ministers further acknowledged President John Dramani Mahama’s visit to Belarus earlier this year.
Mr Adams noted the emphasis on agriculture during that visit and welcomed the opportunity to expand bilateral cooperation into sports development.
As part of the discussions, Mr Kovalchuk invited Mr Adams to visit Belarus and suggested that the proposed MoU could be signed during the visit once the terms had been agreed upon.
Mr Adams expressed interest in studying the Belarusian sports system firsthand and requested a draft of the memorandum for consideration.
The proposed agreement is expected to provide a framework for translating the discussions into practical initiatives, including coach training, educational exchanges and institutional cooperation, as Ghana seeks to strengthen the structures that give young sporting talent a solid foundation for development.
