The Ghana Taekwondo Federation (GTF) has engaged 315 students from five schools in the Upper West Region as it continues its nationwide Regional Taekwondo Awareness Campaign, bringing the sport closer to schools and communities while promoting discipline, physical fitness and youth development.
The third edition of the campaign was held on Friday, 30 October 2026, at the Wa Technical Institute, following successful engagements in Kumasi and Cape Coast. The programme brought together students, traditional authorities, sports administrators, educators, Taekwondo practitioners and representatives of key institutions.
The campaign, organised by the GTF through its regional associations, is designed to increase awareness of Taekwondo, identify emerging talent and create opportunities for young people to develop the physical, mental and personal qualities associated with the martial art.
The first programme was held on 25 September at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi, Ashanti Region, where approximately 500 students from 15 private schools participated in Taekwondo demonstrations, including Poomsae and self-defence. The second engagement took place on 15 October at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium, where 200 students from six schools took part.
With the addition of the Wa programme, the campaign has now reached more than 1,000 students across 26 schools in three regions.
Speaking on behalf of GTF President Frederick Lartey Otu, the Federation’s Secretary-General, Kankpenuba Peter Nuntaa Wisdom, said Taekwondo offered young people an opportunity to develop skills and values that extend beyond sporting activities.
“Taekwondo is more than a martial art. It is a discipline that teaches respect, self-control, perseverance, confidence and responsibility,” he said.
He explained that the campaign seeks to bring the sport into schools and communities, identify emerging talent and build stronger partnerships with educational institutions and sports stakeholders.
The programme received support from regional stakeholders, including the National Sports Authority (NSA), Ghana Education Service (GES), the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) and traditional authorities.
The NSA Regional Sports Development Officer, Biliguo Johnbosco, commended the Federation and the Upper West Regional Taekwondo Association for the initiative, reaffirming the Authority’s commitment to grassroots sports development and talent identification.
He emphasised the importance of making sporting opportunities accessible to everyone, including girls and persons with disabilities, and called for stronger partnerships to expand participation in schools and communities.
The Regional Physical Education Coordinator of the Ghana Education Service, Julius Angsomwine, also expressed the Service’s willingness to support the introduction of Taekwondo in schools. He noted, however, that the necessary administrative authorisation must be obtained before the Association could undertake activities within schools.
“We are looking forward to that permission,” he said, assuring the organisers that the Service would play its part in supporting the development of the sport once the required processes are completed.
Traditional leader Sunche Naa Daudi Osman Yakubu Saaka encouraged the organisers to sustain the initiative and urged young people to embrace physical activities that promote healthy living. He drew on his own experience as a former sportsman, noting that activities that keep young people physically fit and active deserve encouragement.
A former Taekwondo practitioner and former Headmaster of Nandom Senior High School, Mr. Magnus, called for the establishment of more Taekwondo clubs across the Upper West Region, particularly in schools and towns where previous clubs had ceased operating.
“Taekwondo is not about fighting. It is a self-defence system,” he said, explaining that its wider benefits include physical fitness, discipline and responsible conduct.
The Wa Municipal Commander of the Narcotics Control Commission, JB Abesig, used the occasion to caution students against substance abuse, particularly the misuse of medication and other substances in attempts to improve physical performance or stay awake to study.
“Some substances go to block your memory,” he cautioned, urging students to make informed choices and avoid taking medications that had not been prescribed for them.
Through the Regional Taekwondo Awareness Campaign, the Ghana Taekwondo Federation is seeking to build a stronger foundation for the sport by expanding its reach, encouraging inclusive participation and identifying talent at the grassroots level.
