Rugby League Federation Ghana (RLFG) has concluded a two-day Coaching and Match Officiating Development Program in the Ashanti Region, held from 1–2 October 2026 at the Baba Yara Stadium Hockey Pitch.

Close to 15 participants took part in the coaching program, while nearly 10 completed the match officiating course, bringing together sports teachers and students from existing and newly added Rugby League schools and institutions.

Participating schools included Aduman D/A Primary and SHS, Mowire D/A Primary, Afigya D/A Primary, Afigya JHS, Apagya D/A Primary, St. Michael SHS and Pentecost SHS.

New institutions joining the Rugby League pathway included Osei Tutu Senior High School (OKESS), Kumasi Girls’ Senior High School, Opoku Ware School, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).

Both programs combined theory and practical sessions covering coaching processes, player development, Rugby League rules, positioning, decision-making and match-day responsibilities.

The coaching program was delivered by RLFG General Manager and Coach Educator Jafaru Awudu Mustapha and Coach Educator Elizabeth Adongo, while Technical Head and Match Official Educator Marshall Nortey and Match Official Educator Chris Ebo Da-Gama led the officiating program.

The program was supported by education, sports and Rugby League stakeholders, including Afigya Kwabre South Director of Education Mr David Asokwah, the Director of Sports, Ashanti Regional National Sports Authority Director, and representatives of the Ashanti Region Rugby League Association.

Mr Asokwah congratulated participating schools and encouraged sports teachers to take pride in being pioneers of Rugby League in their schools and communities, while reaffirming his commitment to supporting sustainable participation.

A sports teacher from Opoku Ware School welcomed the training, noting that it had helped settle questions and doubts while improving their understanding of the game.

Ashanti Region Rugby League Association Chairman Nana Adu Gyamfi Kumanin Barima Kese I, Nyankyerenease Nkosuohene, thanked participants and stakeholders and reaffirmed his support for the continued development of Rugby League in the region.

RLFG General Manager Jafaru Awudu Mustapha thanked the authorities, educators and participants for their engagement, while Technical Head Marshall Nortey emphasized the importance of developing qualified coaches and match officials as more schools join the sport.

The program concluded with a closing ceremony attended by key education, sports and Rugby League stakeholders, including Nana Gyama Darkwa, Ashanti Regional Head of the National Sports Authority; Nana Adu Gyamfi Kumanin Barima Kese I, Chairman of the Ashanti Region Rugby League Association; and Mr David Akomeah Asokwah, Vice Chairman of the Association. Their presence highlighted the growing collaboration and shared commitment to developing Rugby League in schools across the region. Rugby League balls were presented to participating institutions to support continued training and school activities.

With new coaches, match officials, schools and institutions now joining the network, the focus turns to applying the knowledge gained and building a stronger school Rugby League pathway across Ashanti Region.