The Ghana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) has announced the opening of registration for its 2026 Level One (Basic Umpire) and Level Two (National Umpire) courses, as part of efforts to strengthen officiating capacity and improve match administration in the country.
The courses are scheduled to take place from August 20 to 25, 2026, at the GTTA Secretariat at Caprice, Accra, near Boomerang Night Club.
The Level One Basic Umpire course will run from August 20 to 22, 2026, with morning sessions from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and afternoon sessions from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm, while the Level Two National Umpire course will follow from August 23 to 25, 2026, with morning sessions from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and afternoon sessions from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
The courses will also include an online participation option, subject to certain conditions. The examinations for both courses will comprise theory and practical components, with online participants required to be present at the venue on the final day of each course to undertake the practical examination.
The training programme is designed to equip participants with essential knowledge and skills in table tennis officiating, covering areas such as ITTF Statutes (Chapters 2 and 3), the ITTF Handbook for Match Officials (HMO), and the List of Authorized Racket Coverings (LARC).
The courses will be facilitated by experienced Ghanaian table tennis official David Senyo Ahiaba.
Applicants for both courses must complete at least 16 hours of training, be born on or before January 1, 2006, demonstrate competence in the English language, and have basic knowledge of Microsoft Office and internet browsers.
For the Level Two National Umpire course, candidates must additionally hold a Level One (Basic Umpire) certificate and have proven umpiring experience at school, district, municipal, regional, or national levels.
Registration fees are GH₵600.00 for the Level One course only, GH₵800.00 for the Level Two course only, and GH₵1,000.00 for participants enrolling in both courses.
Participants opting for the blended format (online and in-person participation) will be required to pay an additional GH₵100, making the fees GH₵700.00 for Level One only, GH₵900.00 for Level Two only, and GH₵1,100.00 for both courses.
GTTA President Mawuko Afadzinu has emphasised the importance of developing competent match officials as a key component of the association’s vision to strengthen the foundation of table tennis in Ghana.
According to him, quality officiating plays a crucial role in ensuring fair competition, improving tournament standards, and creating more opportunities for Ghanaian officials.
He noted that continuous investment in technical development remains essential to the growth and professionalisation of table tennis in the country.
Additionally, the technical director for GTTA, Charles Tachie-Menson, explained that the courses are designed to equip participants with knowledge of the laws of table tennis, match procedures, and the responsibilities of officials at different levels of competition.
He noted that building a wider pool of trained umpires is essential to ensuring consistency and professionalism in the conduct of tournaments across the country.
The initiative forms part of GTTA’s continued commitment to developing qualified match officials and building a stronger technical foundation for the growth of table tennis in Ghana.
