By Simon Asare, GNA
Accra, June 26, GNA – Mr Frederick Otu Lartey, President of the Ghana Taekwondo Federation (GTF), is seeking another term in office, pledging to deepen grassroots development and consolidate reforms implemented during his tenure.
Mr Otu Lartey, who has been involved in taekwondo for many decades, said his decision to contest the federation’s upcoming elective congress on July 18, 2026, is driven by the need to sustain growth and enhance Ghana’s competitiveness on the international stage.
“My vision is grassroots development… I want to ensure all regions are developed to represent the nation in international competitions,” he said.
The GTF recently held a leadership retreat where key stakeholders outlined strategies to expand the sport nationwide.
The plan includes awareness campaigns across all regions, recruitment of development coaches, and efforts to strengthen participation, particularly in underserved areas.
As part of its development strategy, the federation has launched a National Licence Coaching Course aimed at training 40 unlicensed coaches drawn from the ten regional associations.
The initiative is expected to improve technical standards and create a sustainable pipeline for talent identification at the grassroots level.
According to Mr Otu Lartey these reforms under his leadership represent enhancement professionalism in the sport.
He added that constitutional changes have been implemented to integrate regional associations into the federation’s decision-making processes.
“These reforms are aimed at building a more inclusive and transparent federation that reflects the interests of stakeholders across the country,” he noted.
Beyond domestic development, Mr. Otu Lartey cited Ghana’s growing presence in international taekwondo as a key achievement during his tenure.
He became Ghana’s first World Taekwondo 1st Class International Referee in 2017 and has officiated at major competitions, including world championships and Olympic qualification tournaments.
He currently serves as the second Vice President of the Ghana Olympic Committee, a position he retained unopposed in April 2025.
Delegates at the GTF congress are expected to elect new executives to lead the sport in the coming years, with stakeholders closely watching the outcome as the federation charts its next phase of development.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Simon Asare
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