Upper East Regional Minister Donatus Akamugri Atanga has pledged support for the Upper East Regional Taekwondo Association, including efforts to address its equipment needs and consider facilities for the sport in the planned regional sports complex. The commitment followed the association’s presentation of eight medals won at the 2026 Korea Ambassador’s Cup Championship in August. The medals comprised one gold, one silver, and six bronze medals.
During the presentation, Mr Akamugri emphasized that sports should be considered not only as entertainment but also as an avenue for youth development, employment, and livelihoods. He noted that the government’s planned sports infrastructure for the region could help address some of the challenges confronting different sporting disciplines. The Minister directed the Upper East Regional Coordinating Director, Bless Kwame Darkey, to engage the Taekwondo Association over its immediate equipment needs.
The Upper East Regional Taekwondo Association has requested about GH¢25,000 worth of training equipment. Mr Akamugri said the Regional Coordinating Council would explore ways of providing support. The association currently lacks sufficient training equipment and does not have a permanent training facility. The centre currently used by the association does not belong to it, creating uncertainty over its long-term training arrangements.
A technical team from Accra is expected in the region in the first week of October to inspect the proposed site for the regional sports complex and consider how different sporting disciplines could be accommodated. Mr Akamugri urged the association to engage the technical team and identify the specific facilities required for taekwondo for consideration in the plans. This will ensure that the needs of the Taekwondo Association are taken into account in the development of the sports complex.
Assistant Coach of the Upper East Regional Taekwondo Association, Jesse Apalazoya, who spoke on behalf of the group, said athletes from the region had continued to perform at competitions despite inadequate resources. He appealed for support to provide athletes with the equipment and facilities needed to improve their training and performances at competitions. The association’s performance at the Korea Ambassador’s Cup Championship demonstrates the potential of the region’s athletes.
The Upper East Regional Minister assured the association that the RCC would intervene if challenges arose over access to its current training facility while plans for the new sports infrastructure were being developed. This assurance aims to alleviate concerns about the association’s ability to continue training and competing during the transition period. The Minister’s commitment to supporting the association has been welcomed by the taekwondo community.
The association subsequently presented its eight Korea Ambassador’s Cup medals to the Regional Minister. The presentation was a testament to the association’s achievements and a demonstration of the region’s potential in the sport. The Minister’s pledge to consider taekwondo facilities in the planned sports complex is expected to have a positive impact on the development of the sport in the region.
Key points
- Upper East Regional Minister Donatus Akamugri Atanga pledges support for Taekwondo Association
- Planned sports complex to consider facilities for taekwondo
- Association requests GH¢25,000 worth of training equipment
