The Ghana Taekwondo Federation (GTF) has extended its Regional Taekwondo Awareness Campaign to the Upper West Region, engaging 315 students from five schools. The third edition of the campaign was held at the Wa Technical Institute on October 30, 2026. The initiative aims to increase awareness of taekwondo, encourage youth participation, and promote values such as discipline, self-confidence, and physical fitness.
The campaign follows similar programmes held at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi and the Cape Coast Sports Stadium, which attracted about 500 and 200 students respectively. With the inclusion of the Wa event, the Federation has reached more than 1,000 students from 26 schools across the Ashanti, Central, and Upper West regions. This effort seeks to bring the sport closer to schools and communities, identifying emerging talent and strengthening partnerships with educational institutions and sports stakeholders.
Mr. Frederick Lartey Otu, in a speech read on his behalf, highlighted the benefits of taekwondo for young people, including developing values and life skills beyond competition. He noted that taekwondo teaches respect, self-control, perseverance, confidence, and responsibility. The campaign also received support from stakeholders, including the National Sports Authority (NSA), Ghana Education Service (GES), Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), and traditional authorities.
Mr. Biliguo Johnbosco, Upper West Regional Sports Development Officer of the NSA, commended the Federation and the regional association for the initiative. He reiterated the Authority's commitment to grassroots sports development, stressing the need to make sporting opportunities accessible to all, including girls and persons with disabilities. Mr. Johnbosco called for stronger collaboration to increase participation.
Mr. Julius Angsomwine, Regional Physical Education Coordinator of the GES, expressed the Service's readiness to support the introduction of taekwondo in schools once the necessary approval processes have been completed. Traditional leader Sunche Naa Daudi Osman Yakubu Saaka encouraged young people to engage in sporting activities that promote healthy living and urged the organisers to sustain the programme.
A former taekwondo practitioner and former Headmaster of Nandom Senior High School, Mr. Magnus, called for the establishment of more taekwondo clubs across the region to support the growth of the sport. Mr. JB Abesig, Wa Municipal Commander of the NACOC, advised students against substance abuse, warning that the misuse of drugs and medication could negatively affect their health and academic performance.
The Ghana Taekwondo Federation continues its efforts to expand access to taekwondo and strengthen grassroots sports development across Ghana. The campaign's success will be measured by its impact on increasing youth participation and promoting the values of taekwondo. Key stakeholders will assess the programme's effectiveness in achieving its objectives.
Key points
- The Ghana Taekwondo Federation has engaged over 1,000 students from 26 schools across three regions in its Regional Taekwondo Awareness Campaign.
- The campaign aims to promote taekwondo, encourage youth participation, and develop values such as discipline and self-confidence.
- The Federation plans to continue its efforts to expand access to taekwondo and strengthen grassroots sports development across Ghana.
