The Department of Physical Education and Sport Studies (PESS) in the School of Education and Leadership, College of Education, successfully hosted a four-day Africa UNINET Summer Workshop from 17th to 20th September, 2024. The four-day event brought together participants from partner institutions, including the University of Ouahigouya in Burkina Faso and the Management Centre in Innsbruck, Austria.

Themed ‘Exploring Integrated Approaches to Disaster and Conflict Response Through Medical, Sports and Social Expectations,’ the workshop aimed to provide insights into how professionals in sports and social work can contribute to community resilience and recovery amid the growing global challenges of disasters and conflicts. It was designed for a diverse audience, including PhD students, graduates, undergraduates, lecturers, researchers, and industry practitioners.

              Dr. Bella Bello Bitugu, Lead Coordinator

Dr. Bella Bello Bitugu, Lead Coordinator of the project and a faculty member in the Department of PESS, opened the workshop with an overview. He stressed the need for an integrated approach, combining medical, social work, psychological, and sports perspectives in peace and conflict resolution efforts. Dr. Bitugu further highlighted the role of organisations like; ECOWAS, the African Union and Commonwealth in using sports as a tool to address development challenges. He encouraged participants to move beyond a focus on competition and winning, instead prioritising the needs of individuals, communities, and nations in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals. He also announced that the department was finalising a new Management and Leadership Programme, which is set to launch soon.

           Mrs. Emelia Agyei-Mensah, Registrar of the University of Ghana

Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Mrs. Emelia Agyei-Mensah, Registrar of the University of Ghana, emphasized the importance of the partnership with Africa UNINET. She noted that it aligns with the University’s broader mission of providing transformative student experiences and conducting impactful research. "We are not merely doing research for its own sake but to solve real-world problems," Mrs. Agyei-Mensah remarked, calling for stronger collaborations within Ghana and internationally to tackle critical societal issues.

    Professor Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe, Provost of the College of Education

In his remarks, Professor Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe, Provost of the College of Education, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative. He revealed plans by the Department to collaborate with another institution on a research programme funded by the Daimler-Benz Stiftung. He also outlined key initiatives currently underway at the College, including the establishment of the Legon Centre for Education Research and Policy.

Additionally, Professor Codjoe highlighted the College's involvement in the Climate Collaborative project, funded by the Mastercard Foundation with nearly $28 million over an eight-year period. He further announced the College’s efforts to set up nationwide research and surveillance sites aimed at monitoring educational outcomes.

             Dr. Austin Luguterah, Director of the Sport and Wellness Directorate

Speaking at the workshop, Dr. Austin Luguterah, Director of the Sport and Wellness Directorate and the Administrative Lead for the workshop, expressed excitement about the event's organisation. He highlighted the fundamental role the Department of Physical Education and Sport Studies plays in enhancing the project, stressing that sport can serve as a powerful tool in disaster and conflict response. According to Dr. Luguterah, sport not only aids in rebuilding post-conflict societies but also helps uplift affected communities.

          Prof. Annabella Osei-Tutu, Head of the Department of Physical Education and Sport Studies

Earlier in her opening remarks, Prof. Annabella Osei-Tutu, Head of the Department of Physical Education and Sport Studies, underscored the importance of interdisciplinary research in tackling global challenges. She expressed confidence that the workshop would inspire innovative ideas and interventions aimed at building resilient communities.

            Mr. Robert Koglek, from the Management Centre in Innsbruck, Austria

International partners also offered their perspectives during the workshop. Mr. Robert Koglek, from the Management Centre in Innsbruck, Austria, praised the collaboration and highlighted Austria’s rich sports history, referencing the country’s role in hosting the Olympic Games in the 1960s and 1970s. He also announced plans for a memorandum of understanding with an Applied University in Kufstein, Austria, aimed at facilitating student exchange programmes focused on sports event and facility management.

             Dr. Yameogo Hamidu, Université Ledea Bernard Ouedraogo, Burkina Faso

In his remarks, Dr. Yameogo Hamidu, from Université Ledea Bernard Ouedraogo in Burkina Faso, discussed opportunities at his institution, accentuating their focus on aligning education with employment and preparing students to become responsible leaders. He stressed that academic partnerships, such as those cultivated through this workshop, play a crucial role in both institutional and national development.

The second day of the workshop centered on promoting gender equality and practical discussions on integrating medical and social work practices in disaster zones. Dr. Kingsley Mort from the University of Ghana led an interactive session on “Ecological Systems Theory and Green Social Work in Practice.”

The third day shifted focus to sports and community resilience, and the final day concluded with synthesis and collaborative planning sessions. A panel discussion on “Challenges and Opportunities in Interdisciplinary Approaches to Disaster and Conflict Management” featured delegates from Austria, Burkina Faso, and Ghana.

Among those present at the workshop were: Mr. Joseph Oduro Nkansah, College Registrar for the College of Education, Mrs. Rodarling Neequaye, School Administrator for the School of Education and Leadership, as well as students and representatives from Université Ledea Bernard Ouedraogo.