Wa:The Ghana Taekwondo Federation (GTF) has extended its Regional Taekwondo Awareness Campaign to the Upper West Region, engaging 315 students from five schools in an effort to promote the sport and identify young talent.
According to Ghana News Agency, the third edition of this campaign was held at the Wa Technical Institute, attracting students, traditional leaders, sports administrators, educators, taekwondo practitioners, and representatives from key institutions. The initiative, introduced by the GTF through its regional associations, aims to increase awareness of taekwondo, encourage youth participation, and promote values such as discipline, self-confidence, and physical fitness.
This latest edition follows similar programs held at Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi and Cape Coast Sports Stadium, which drew approximately 500 and 200 students, respectively. With the Wa event included, the Federation has now reached over 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, emphasized that taekwondo offers young people opportunities to develop values and life skills beyond competition. He highlighted that the campaign's goal is to bring the sport closer to schools and communities, identify emerging talent, and strengthen 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 regional association for their initiative and reiterated the Authority's commitment to grassroots sports development, emphasizing the need for accessible sporting opportunities for all, including girls and persons with disabilities.
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 pending necessary approvals. Traditional leader Sunche Naa Daudi Osman Yakubu Saaka encouraged youth participation in sports for healthy living and urged sustained efforts in the program.
A call for more taekwondo clubs across the region to support the sport's growth was made by Mr. Magnus, a former taekwondo practitioner and past Headmaster of Nandom Senior High School. Additionally, Mr. JB Abesig, Wa Municipal Commander of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), warned students against substance abuse, citing potential negative impacts on health and academics.
The campaign has received support from various stakeholders, including the NSA, GES, NACOC, and traditional authorities, as the Federation continues to expand access to taekwondo and strengthen grassroots sports development across Ghana.