By Samuel SAM
Tamale Technical University (TaTU) has introduced Sports Management, Marketing and Administrative programmes to develop the skills and competencies of graduates to explore the country’s sports sector.
It is also designed to provide students with hands-on experience and the latest knowledge in sports management and marketing, enabling them to become active contributors and leaders in the industry.
The programmes – held at the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management and being the first and the only Sports Management Programme in Ghana – are geared toward national relevance in Ghana’s Sports and Tourism industry. They are expected to help address the demand for skilled professionals, contributes to economic growth and align with government policies for human capital development and national progress.
In nurturing prospective students from the Diploma to Bachelor of Science in Sports Management and Administration with a two-year Master of Science (MSc) programme in Sports Management and Marketing, students will be provided with the requisite skills and knowledge in Sports management, Sports Marketing and Sponsorship, Sports Communication and Media Relations, Sports Law and Ethics, Sports Event-Planning and Management, Digital Media and Sports, among others.
The programme was initiated by a Senior Lecturer and a grassroots football coach licenced by Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) and Ghana Football Association (GFA), Dr. Alhassan Fatawu. It is meant to develop the leadership and communication skills necessary for managing diverse teams and collaborating with stakeholders in the sports industry.
Dr. Fatawu is known for contributing to the sports industry in the North and has been in the sector since infancy. Through sports he has mentored lots of individuals from the local to the international level, as well ensuring development of the university sports sector.
Dr. Alhassan Fatawu noted in an interview that sports play a very significant role in the development of societies by ensuring healthy lifestyles, job creation, development, enhancing domestic tourism and cultural heritage as well marketing the country’s potentials to the world.
“Sport has become one of the most effective public relation assets which countries use to develop both the individual and society at large. Education, politics, culture and economics among others are powerful instruments for individuals’ and nations’ development,” he said.
“Ghana is a country with a rich heritage in sports. Popular sporting events include football, boxing, tennis, basketball, hockey, cricket, rugby, golf and athletics. Besides the fact that sports can makes us stronger and healthier, it also has a lot advantages or value in the economy,” he noted.
Unfortunately, the sports industry in Ghana is bedevilled with inadequate professional, managerial and technical skills in sports management and marketing, he said.
These have downplayed the socio-economic importance of sports and indirectly undermined their evolution and emerging industry – hence the need to train more of the youth to help revamp the sector, he explained.
According to him, revamping sports can help increase economic prosperity, provide employment opportunities and contribute to the nation’s growth.
While the university is contributing its part, there is a need for government and philanthropists to invest in the university’s sports and activities – which will also create jobs for others, he said.
“Our curriculum goes beyond traditional theories and abstract learning, focusing on practical, industry-oriented training and problem-solving,” he said.
It allows students to gain valuable workplace experience and establish connections in the sports industry, thereby enhancing their career prospects, he added.
“Through our strong industry partnerships and collaborations, we ensure that our programme remains industry-focused and aligned with current demands of the sports management and marketing arena,” he explained.
“The students will be able to acquire knowledge of sports marketing, sponsorship, event management and sports governance to navigate the sports business world,” he said.
