By Simon Asare
Accra, Nov. 1, GNA – The Ghana Taekwondo Federation (GTF) has extended its Regional Taekwondo Awareness Campaign to the Upper West Region, engaging 315 students from five schools as part of efforts to promote the sport and identify young talent.
The third edition of the campaign was held at the Wa Technical Institute on October 30, 2026, and brought together students, traditional leaders, sports administrators, educators, taekwondo practitioners and representatives of key institutions.
The initiative, introduced by the GTF through its regional associations, seeks to increase awareness of taekwondo, encourage youth participation and promote values such as discipline, self-confidence and physical fitness.
The latest edition 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.
Mr Frederick Lartey Otu, in a speech read on his behalf, said taekwondo offered young people opportunities to develop values and life skills beyond competition.
“Taekwondo is more than a martial art. It teaches respect, self-control, perseverance, confidence and responsibility,” he said.
He noted that the campaign was aimed at bringing the sport closer to schools and communities, identifying emerging talent and strengthening partnerships with educational institutions and sports stakeholders.
Mr Biliguo Johnbosco, Upper West Regional Sports Development Officer of the National Sports Authority (NSA), commended the Federation and the regional association for the initiative and reiterated the Authority’s commitment to grassroots sports development.
He stressed the need to make sporting opportunities accessible to all, including girls and persons with disabilities, while calling for stronger collaboration to increase participation.
Mr Julius Angsomwine, Regional Physical Education Coordinator of the Ghana Education Service (GES), expressed the Service’s readiness to support the introduction of taekwondo in schools once the necessary approval processes had been completed.
Traditional leader Sunche Naa Daudi Osman Yakubu Saaka encouraged young people to embrace 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 Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), also advised students against substance abuse, warning that the misuse of drugs and medication could negatively affect their health and academic performance.
The campaign received support from stakeholders including the NSA, GES, NACOC and traditional authorities as the Federation continues its efforts to expand access to taekwondo and strengthen grassroots sports development across Ghana.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Simon Asare
Email: [email protected]