The curtain came down on the 16th Korean Ambassador’s Cup Taekwondo Championship on Saturday at the Borteyman Sports Complex in Accra, capping a spirited weekend of competition that showcased some of Ghana’s most promising young martial artists .
Organised by the Ghana Taekwondo Federation (GTF) and backed by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, the tournament drew competitors from across Ghana’s regions, who battled it out in both Kyorugi (sparring) and Poomsae (forms) disciplines. The event is a key fixture on the national taekwondo calendar, having been held annually since 2009 under the sponsorship of the Korean Embassy . The 15th edition, held in August 2025, attracted approximately 200 athletes from across the country .
A Crucial Talent Scouting Ground
Beyond the medals on offer, organisers positioned the event as a vital scouting ground, with selectors keeping a close eye on standout performers who could feature in the national youth setup as Ghana looks ahead to future international assignments . This focus on grassroots development aligns with the GTF’s broader vision under President Frederick Otu Lartey, who has prioritised the expansion of taekwondo across all 16 regions of Ghana and has unveiled plans for the country’s largest-ever kids taekwondo development project .
Addressing participants, officials and supporters at the close of proceedings, GTF President Frederick Otu Lartey paid tribute to the Korean Ambassador for the embassy’s sustained backing of the competition, describing the partnership as central to the sport’s development in Ghana. “Together with my executives, we are ready to help and improve the standards of Ghana Taekwondo,” he stated .
Greater Accra Dominates
Greater Accra emerged as the tournament’s dominant force, sweeping the majority of the individual honours and claiming the Best Regional Team award, underlining its continued depth in the sport at the grassroots level. This extends a tradition of regional dominance, with Greater Accra having also claimed the overall team title at the 11th edition in 2019 and the 13th edition in 2023 .
Individual Award Winners
The following athletes were recognised for their outstanding performances across the various disciplines and age categories:
Kyorugi (Sparring)
· Best Male Kyorugi: Gaddiel Cromwell (Eastern Region)
· Best Female Kyorugi: Setorme Tornyevah (Greater Accra)
· Best Male Cadet Kyorugi: Issah Zulkif (Greater Accra)
· Best Female Cadet Kyorugi: Ramatu Salifu (Greater Accra)
· Best Male Junior Kyorugi: Ismael Halid (Greater Accra)
· Best Female Junior Kyorugi: Afua Otuo (Western Region)
Poomsae (Forms)
· Best Male Poomsae: Yoofi Aggrey-Fynn (Greater Accra)
· Best Female Poomsae: Sitta Tornyevah (Greater Accra)
Team Award
· Best Regional Team: Greater Accra
A Partnership for Development
The Korean Embassy has been a steadfast partner in the growth of taekwondo in Ghana, a sport that was officially recognised in the country in 1978 and became affiliated with World Taekwondo in 1981 . The Ambassador’s Cup has served as a platform for identifying talent and fostering camaraderie among athletes from all corners of Ghana . GTF President Lartey highlighted that the federation’s relationship with the Korean Embassy has been cordial, with the embassy providing support for regional athletes to participate in the championship .
The championship’s conclusion marks another successful chapter in this ongoing partnership, as the GTF continues its mission to develop the sport at the grassroots level and prepare Ghanaian athletes for international competition.
