Ghana Taekwondo Federation Expands Grassroots Reach: Upper West Region Becomes Third Stop, Over a Thousand Students Have Participated

The Ghana Taekwondo Federation (GTF) continued its nationwide Regional Taekwondo Awareness Campaign on Friday, October 30, 2026, in Wa, Upper West Region, engaging 315 students from five schools. This event marks the third stop of the campaign following Kumasi and Cape Coast, bringing the total number of students reached to over 1,000 across 26 schools in three regions.

The event was held at Wa Technical Institute, bringing together students, traditional leaders, sports administrators, educators, taekwondo practitioners, and representatives from key institutions. The campaign aims to introduce the sport to young people, encourage broader participation, and identify emerging talent.

Background: Launched in Kumasi, Covering Five Regions

This campaign was launched on September 25, 2026, at Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi, with approximately 500 students from 15 private schools participating in taekwondo demonstrations, including Poomsae and self-defense techniques . The second event was held on October 15 at Cape Coast Sports Stadium, with 200 students from six schools participating . The campaign plan covers five regions initially: Ashanti, Northern, Upper West, Bono, and Central . The Wa event brings the actual number of regions covered to three.

GTF: Taekwondo is More Than a Martial Art

Speaking on behalf of GTF President Frederick Lartey Otu, Secretary-General Kankpenuba Peter Nuntaa Wisdom stated that taekwondo provides young people with an opportunity to develop skills and values that extend beyond sports. "Taekwondo is not just a martial art. It is a discipline that teaches respect, self-control, perseverance, confidence, and responsibility," he said. He explained that the campaign aims to bring the sport into schools and communities, identify emerging talent, and establish stronger partnerships with educational institutions and sports stakeholders.

Stakeholders Express Support, GES Sets Conditions

Biliguo Johnbosco, Regional Sports Development Officer at the National Sports Authority (NSA), 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 emphasized the importance of making sports opportunities accessible to all, including girls and persons with disabilities.

Julius Angsomwine, Regional Physical Education Coordinator at the Ghana Education Service (GES), expressed willingness to support the introduction of taekwondo in schools, but noted that the association must obtain the necessary administrative authorization before conducting activities within schools. "We look forward to receiving that permission," he said.

Traditional Leaders and Veteran Practitioners Speak

Traditional leader Sunche Naa Daudi Osman Yakubu Saaka encouraged organizers to sustain the initiative and urged young people to embrace physical activity. Drawing on his own experience as a former athlete, he noted that activities beneficial to physical health deserve encouragement.

Magnus, a former taekwondo practitioner and former headmaster of Nandom Senior High School, called for the establishment of more taekwondo clubs in the Upper West Region, particularly in schools and towns where clubs have previously ceased operations. He recalled the early development of martial arts in the region and emphasized the need for sustained institutional support to prevent the sport from falling into repeated cycles of rise and decline. "Taekwondo is not about fighting. It is a self-defense system," he said.

Narcotics Control Commission Warns Students

JB Abesig, Wa Municipal Commander of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), used the occasion to warn students about substance abuse, particularly the misuse of medication to enhance physical performance or stay awake for studying. He explained that substance abuse can affect memory and learning, harm health, and jeopardize future opportunities. "Some substances block your memory," he warned, urging students to make informed choices and avoid taking unprescribed medications.

Campaign Continues to Advance

With events completed in Ashanti, Central, and Upper West regions, the GTF is continuing to promote taekwondo accessibility among young people in Ghana. According to the GTF's plan, the initial phase of the campaign will also cover the Northern and Bono regions . Commenting on the campaign's philosophy, GTF President Otu stated in an earlier interview: "Talent is not concentrated only in Accra or Kumasi. There are talented boys and girls in communities across Ghana who simply need opportunities, proper coaching, and appropriate support."