The School of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences (SBAHS), College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana has held a graduation ceremony for the first batch of trained sports masseurs at Korle Bu. The first batch of graduands included masseurs from the national teams, premier league clubs and division one league clubs in the country received certificates after 12 weeks of undergoing the training programme. The Head of the Department of Physiotherapy (SBAHS), Dr. Ajediran Bello, in his welcome address mentioned that the programme was the first of its kind held in the West African sub-region and on the continent as a whole. He indicated that previously, masseurs in Ghana learnt their trade on the job. He added that it was the need to change this that brought about the collaboration between the Department of Physiotherapy of SBAHS and the Ghana Football Association (GFA) in putting together the training for the masseurs. Speaking at the event, the College Secretary, Mrs. Amma K. Kwaa on behalf of the Provost was enthused about the College’s contribution towards the development of football in Ghana. She said that the training had added value to what masseurs will do on the field. She implored the masseurs to give off their best to make it possible for others to see the value of the training they have had. In his address, Mr. Kwesi Nyantakyi stated that the programme was amongst the many initiatives the GFA had embarked on to help in the development of football in Ghana. He further added that the certificate acquired by the masseurs who had undergone the 12 weeks training would become the basic entry requirement for anyone who wants to work as a football masseur in Ghana. He challenged other institutions to research into other areas related to football and submit proposals to the GFA for a possible collaboration. The Dean, School of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences, Rev. Prof. Patrick F. Ayeh-Kumi in his address mentioned that modern football had gone very scientific, hence the need for collaborations between institutions of higher learning and the managers of football in the country. He indicated the School’s preparedness to play a key role in the development of the beautiful game. He asked the GFA to keep its promises to the School. Other dignitaries who graced the occasion include Mr. Emmanuel Gyimah, the Secretary-General of the GFA, Dr. Prince Pambo, the Head of the GFA Medical team, some Executive Committee Members of the GFA, and finally some senior members of the College.
