Accra, Ghana – Deputy Head of Marketing at the National Sports Authority (NSA) and President of the Ghana Chess Association, Christiana Ashley, has returned to Ghana after representing the country at the 2026 Women’s Sport Leadership Academy (WSLA) in the United Kingdom.
The international leadership programme was held from August 23 to 28, 2026, at the Bishop Otter Campus of the University of Chichester, bringing together women from different countries, sporting disciplines and professional backgrounds for an intensive week of leadership development, reflection, knowledge exchange and networking.
Ashley’s participation was made possible through the support of the Women in Sports Commission, the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
The programme provided Ashley with an opportunity to strengthen her leadership skills while gaining international perspectives that she says she intends to apply within her professional responsibilities and the wider sporting community in Ghana.
Leadership beyond position
One of the key lessons Ashley took from the programme was that effective leadership goes beyond holding a formal position.
Participants explored leadership identity, self-awareness, authenticity, service, strategic thinking, communication, courage, vulnerability and the advancement of women in sport.
Reflecting on her experience, Ashley said the programme challenged her to look beyond her current positions and examine the kind of leader she wants to become.
“WSLA challenged me to look beyond the position I hold and to examine who I am as a leader, why I lead, how I lead and, most importantly, the impact I want my leadership to have on others,” she said.
“I am leaving the programme with greater confidence, stronger self-awareness and a renewed commitment to supporting women and emerging leaders within sport.
“The knowledge and relationships gained will not remain with me; I intend to share and apply them within my organisation and the wider sporting community.”
Learning from a global community
A major feature of WSLA 2026 was the diversity of its participants, allowing women leaders from different sporting systems and cultural backgrounds to share experiences and perspectives.
Ashley said the international environment provided valuable lessons, not only from facilitators and established leaders but also from fellow participants.
The programme focused on five major leadership themes: Belonging and Leadership Identity, Authentic Self, In Service of Others, Finding and Sharing My Leadership Story, and Daring Greatly.
These themes encouraged participants to reflect on their personal values, leadership behaviours and responsibilities towards the people and communities they serve.
Courage, authenticity and service
Ashley identified the relationship between authenticity and courageous leadership as one of the most valuable lessons from the academy.
The programme encouraged participants to step beyond their comfort zones, embrace vulnerability, communicate openly and take purposeful action even in uncertain situations.
She said the experience strengthened her belief that vulnerability can help build trust and meaningful connections, while courage is necessary for leaders seeking to challenge existing practices and create opportunities for others.
Leadership as service was another important theme.
Participants were encouraged to focus not only on their personal growth but also on mentoring, supporting and creating opportunities for others.
That approach, Ashley believes, aligns strongly with her commitment to supporting women and emerging leaders within Ghana’s sporting community.
Bringing the knowledge home
Ashley rated her overall experience at the academy 9 out of 10, highlighting leadership confidence, self-awareness, communication, strategic thinking, professional networking and a stronger commitment to women’s leadership among the key outcomes.
She plans to apply the knowledge gained through her work at the National Sports Authority and her leadership of the Ghana Chess Association.
Among the areas she intends to focus on are strengthening leadership and decision-making, improving communication and stakeholder engagement, mentoring emerging leaders, promoting greater participation and representation of women in sport, strengthening international networks, encouraging knowledge sharing and exploring new partnerships and collaborations.
Ashley also plans to remain connected with the WSLA alumni community to support continued learning, mentorship, collaboration and knowledge exchange.
“The true value of an opportunity such as WSLA is measured not only by what the participant gains, but by what is given back,” Ashley said.
“I am committed to ensuring that the knowledge, skills and networks I have gained contribute to positive change within Ghanaian sport.”
Appreciation to supporters
Ashley expressed her appreciation to the Women in Sports Commission, Ghana Olympic Committee, National Sports Authority and International Olympic Committee for their confidence, nomination and support, which enabled her to participate in the international leadership programme.
She also acknowledged the University of Chichester, Leading Edge Performance, WSLA facilitators, guest speakers, graduate facilitators and fellow participants for contributing to what she described as an inspiring and challenging learning environment.
“I am deeply grateful to everyone who believed in my potential and supported this opportunity,” she said.
“Their investment in my development comes with a responsibility, and I am committed to ensuring that the benefits extend beyond me to the people, organisations and sporting communities I serve.”
Ashley’s participation in WSLA 2026 adds to the growing representation of Ghanaian women in international sports leadership programmes and reinforces the importance of investing in leadership development as the country seeks greater inclusion and stronger governance across the sporting sector.
As she resumes her responsibilities in Ghana, Ashley says the next phase is to turn the lessons, relationships and experiences gained in the UK into meaningful action at home.