The Ghana Taekwondo Federation (GTF) has launched its Regional Taekwondo Awareness Campaign in the Ashanti Region as part of efforts to take the martial art beyond competitive sport and promote its role in discipline, physical fitness, self-defence, character development and youth development.
Held in Kumasi under the theme “Promoting Taekwondo Awareness, Discipline, Fitness and Youth Development,” the launch brought together about 500 schoolchildren from 15 private schools, school authorities, Taekwondo practitioners, coaches, parents and representatives of key sports and education institutions.
The launch was led by the President of the Ghana Taekwondo Federation, Frederick Lartey Otu, alongside members of the GTF National Executive Board and national executives of the Ghana National Council of Private Schools (GNACOPS).
Speaking at the event, Lartey Otu said the campaign marked an important step in the Federation’s efforts to make Taekwondo accessible to more young people and communities.
He said the sport had grown significantly in Ghana through the work of instructors, athletes, clubs, regional associations, officials and partners, with Ghanaian athletes participating in national, continental and international competitions.
However, he said the Federation’s ambitions extend beyond producing competitive athletes.
“The future of Taekwondo in Ghana lies not only in producing champions, but also in producing disciplined, responsible and confident young people.”
Lartey Otu said the awareness campaign would initially cover five regions: Ashanti, Northern, Upper West, Bono and Central, with Ashanti serving as the launch region.
He said the programme would introduce Taekwondo to more schools and communities, educate young people on the values of the martial art, identify talent early, encourage regular physical activity and create pathways for promising athletes to progress from school and community programmes to regional and national levels.
He expressed appreciation to GNACOPS for supporting the initiative and described schools as an important platform for developing young athletes and responsible citizens.
The GTF President also acknowledged the role of the National Sports Authority (NSA), regional sports structures, school authorities, teachers, parents and Taekwondo associations in advancing the programme.
“This programme requires partnership, commitment and collective responsibility.”
He said the campaign was one of the practical steps being taken by the newly elected GTF leadership to build a Federation that is more visible, organised, inclusive and focused on development.
Addressing the students, Lartey Otu encouraged them to approach Taekwondo as more than a sport and embrace the values of respect, discipline, perseverance, integrity and self-control.
Sports as a core part of Education
The Executive Director of the Ghana National Council of Private Schools, Obenfo Nana Kwasi Gyetuah, used the occasion to call for a rethink of the place of sports in Ghana’s education system.
He argued that sports should no longer be treated simply as co-curricular activities but recognised as an important part of developing the whole child.
“For too long, we have treated sports as something children do after the real learning is done. Sports teach discipline, focus, respect, resilience, teamwork and leadership. These are not extras. They are the very foundation of the transformed learner Ghana needs.”
Obenfo said Taekwondo was particularly suited to this role because it combines physical training with discipline, self-control, focus and respect.
He urged private schools to give sports adequate time, space and resources and encouraged school proprietors, heads, teachers and parents to support learners who participate in structured sporting programmes.
“When we change the language, we change the priority. When sports become the main curriculum for transformation, we will raise children who are not only academically sound but physically strong, emotionally balanced and morally grounded.”
He also called for stronger support from government, the Ghana Education Service and other stakeholders for sports infrastructure and coach development.
NSA Pledges Support
The Ashanti Regional Director of the National Sports Authority, Nana Gyaama Dakwa, pledged the Directorate’s support for the development of Taekwondo and other sports at the grassroots level.
She commended parents, teachers and schools for allowing their children to participate in Taekwondo and encouraged more schools to join the programme.
Nana Gyaama Dakwa said participation in Taekwondo could support both physical and mental development.
She noted that regular participation could help children stay physically fit while developing focus and mental alertness, qualities that can also support their academic work.
She further highlighted self-defence as an important benefit of Taekwondo, particularly for young girls.
“When the kids know how to defend themselves, especially the ladies, I think it will be of much help to them.”
She encouraged parents to enroll their children in Taekwondo programmes and assured schools and participants of the NSA’s support.
Equipment presented to Ashanti Regional Association
As part of the launch, the Ghana Taekwondo Federation National Executive Board presented uniforms and equipment to the Ashanti Regional Taekwondo Association to support the development of the sport in the region.
The presentation formed part of the Federation’s broader commitment to strengthening regional structures and providing the resources needed to expand participation.
The event also featured Taekwondo demonstrations by schoolchildren and practitioners from the Ashanti Region, including forms known as Poomsae and a self-defence demonstration.
The demonstrations provided participants and guests with a practical display of the skills, discipline and techniques developed through Taekwondo training.
The Ashanti Regional Director of GNACOPS, Edward Akanzu Ise, was also present at the launch.
The Ghana Taekwondo Federation said the Ashanti launch would serve as the starting point for the wider regional awareness campaign as it works with schools, communities, sports authorities and other partners to expand access to Taekwondo and create more opportunities for young people across the country.
BY: GTF Communications