VOLTA REGION: Students inspired as Taekwondo awareness programme sets stage for club formation

Students drawn from selected second-cycle institutions within and around the Volta Regional capital, Ho, have been inspired and highly motivated following speeches and dynamic demonstrations at a Taekwondo awareness programme held at the Mawuli Senior High School Hall.

The programme, themed “Taekwondo: A Sport Without Limitations, Promoting Discipline and Opportunities in Ghanaian Schools in an Era of Rising Indiscipline,” formed part of efforts to introduce and strengthen Taekwondo in schools across the region.

Organised by the Volta Taekwondo Association in collaboration with the Ghana Education Service (GES) and the National Sports Authority (NSA), the event on Friday, May 29, 2026, was marked by impactful speeches, practical demonstrations, and life-changing testimonies from invited guests.

Three Taekwondo clubs (the Mawuli SHS Taekwondo Club, the Volta Taekwondo Academy, and the HEPPS Taekwondo Club) thrilled over 120 participants with impressive displays of self-defense techniques, poomsae (forms), breaking techniques, and Taekwondo dance routines.

The demonstrations were met with excitement and applause, as students witnessed firsthand the discipline, skill, and artistic expression embedded in the sport.

A key highlight of the event was an inspiring personal testimony shared by the Deputy Coordinating Director of the Volta Regional Coordinating Council (VRCC), Mr. Yanick Noah Agboado, who represented the Volta Regional Minister, Hon. James Gunu.

He recounted how participation in Taekwondo during his early school days helped him develop courage and confidence, which he used to stand up to a school bully named “Joshua,” a story that resonated strongly with the students.

Speakers, including the Headmaster of Mawuli SHS, Mr. Benjamin Dei; Chief Superintendent Samuel Aboagye, Ho Municipal Police Commander; Assistant Commissioner of Customs (GRA), Mr. Theodore Kafui Ahiable; and the Volta Regional Physical Education Coordinator, Mr. Roger Tay, all emphasized the importance of Taekwondo in shaping discipline, confidence, and leadership among young people.

The representative of the Municipal Director of Education, Mr. Francis Kponvi, expressed excitement about the demonstrations and pledged support toward the formation of Taekwondo clubs in schools, including basic schools.

President of the Ghana Taekwondo Federation (GTF), Mr. Frederick Lartey Otu, reaffirmed the Federation’s commitment to grassroots development of the sport and highlighted the growing opportunities available through Taekwondo.

“We want schools not only to participate in Taekwondo, but to own and develop the sport from the grassroots level. Our dream is to see inter-school Taekwondo competitions organized across all regions, leading to national school championships and eventually international representation,” he said.

He further noted that “Ghana participated in the World School Championships in Australia last year for the very first time. This is proof that opportunities truly exist for young people through Taekwondo. Beyond medals and competition, Taekwondo opens doors to scholarships, coaching careers, international exposure and recognition, officiating opportunities, leadership development, personal growth, and education.”

Mr Otu added that the Federation, together with its technical team and Board, remains committed to expanding Taekwondo across all regions of Ghana and creating more opportunities for young people through sports development.

He also commended the Volta Taekwondo Association for its bold initiative and consistency in promoting youth development through sport.

The Ghana Taekwondo Federation has also reached agreements with the Ghana Education Service (GES) and the Ghana National Council of Private Schools (GNACOPS) to promote Taekwondo in both public and private schools across the country.

Volta Taekwondo, which has consistently performed well at national championships, has begun a structured drive to nurture future stars through school clubs, with the Mawuli SHS Taekwondo Club already in development.

GTF Communications