The Minister for Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, has launched accredited fitness and nutrition courses, a collaborative effort between the National Sports College (NSC) and the Institute of Fitness Ghana (IFG), with accreditation from the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) based in the United States.

Evans Opoku Bobie, a Deputy Minister for Youth and Sports, delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Minister on August 20, 2024, emphasized the government's commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles as a foundation for a productive and prosperous society.

The launch of these courses, he stated, aligns with the broader governmental vision of empowering the youth with employable skills while promoting good eating habits and exercise routines among the general populace.

"The National Sports College has always been at the forefront of sports development in Ghana, and this collaboration with the Institute of Fitness Ghana and the National Academy of Sports Medicine in the USA is a testament to their dedication," said the Minister.

"We envision a future where our youth are not just leaders of tomorrow but are also equipped with the knowledge, skills, and healthy habits needed to succeed in life."

The courses launched include a Certificate in Personal Training, a Certificate in Nutrition Coaching, and a Certificate in Group Fitness Instruction.

These programs are designed to equip trainees with the necessary expertise to foster healthy dietary and exercise habits within their communities, thereby creating a ripple effect of wellness across the nation.

Collins Kofi Eduafo, the Acting Director of the National Sports College Winneba, expressed his gratitude for the support from the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

He highlighted the College's efforts in decentralizing its training programmes through a partnership with the National Sports Authority, making them accessible across various regions of Ghana.

Eduafo further announced that the partnership with IFG and NASM would allow for the global enrollment of students starting from September 9, 2024.

Participants in these six-month courses will receive certificates from NASM upon completion, with study areas including Introduction to Group Fitness, Anatomy and Physiology, Exercise Science, Class Design and Planning, and Teaching Techniques.

Catherina Sestili, the Director of the Institute of Fitness Ghana, underscored the importance of developing locally trained fitness professionals.

She expressed confidence that this initiative would position Ghana as a leader in fitness and wellness training on the continent.

Richard Amoh Asante, Country Director of IFG, also highlighted the numerous job prospects that these courses will open up for participants, encouraging people across the country to take advantage of this opportunity.



AM/OGB

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