The Ghana Taekwondo Federation (GTF) has launched a regional awareness campaign to take Taekwondo into more schools and communities, identify young talent and promote the sport as a tool for discipline, fitness, self-defence and youth development.
The campaign was launched in Kumasi, Ashanti Region, on 25 September 2026 under the theme “Taekwondo for stronger Youth, A healthier community and a greater Ghana.” About 500 schoolchildren from 10 private schools participated in the launch, which featured Taekwondo demonstrations, including Poomsae and self-defence.
The first phase of the campaign will cover five regions: Ashanti, Northern, Upper West, Bono and Central.
We spoke to Frederick Lartey Otu, President of the Ghana Taekwondo Federation, about the campaign, the role of schools in developing young people and how the Federation plans to identify and develop Taekwondo talent across Ghana.
Q: Why has the Ghana Taekwondo Federation launched this awareness campaign?
A: Taekwondo has a role beyond the traditional competition environment. It can help young people develop discipline, character, physical fitness, self-defence skills and confidence, while building qualities that are important to their development.
The future of Taekwondo in Ghana lies not only in producing champions, but also in producing disciplined, responsible and confident young people. This is why we are taking the sport into more schools and communities and creating greater awareness of what Taekwondo can offer.
Q: What does GTF want to achieve by taking Taekwondo into schools and communities?
A: Our objective is to introduce Taekwondo to more schools and communities, educate young people on the values of the martial arts, identify talent early, encourage regular physical activity and promote discipline.
We also want to create opportunities for promising young athletes to progress from schools and community programmes to regional, national and international competitions.
Talent is everywhere. Young people with potential can be found in communities across Ghana, including places where access to structured sporting opportunities may be limited. We want to go into those communities, find that talent, and give young people an opportunity to develop.
Q: What role do schools play in developing the next generation of Taekwondo talent?
A: Schools provide one of the most effective platforms for reaching young people at an early stage. They give us an opportunity to introduce Taekwondo to children, help them understand its values, and identify young people who show an interest or potential in the sport.
That is why the Federation is particularly grateful to the Ghana National Council of Private Schools for its role in supporting the campaign and helping us engage schools.
We also recognise the important role of the National Sports Authority, regional sports structures, school authorities, teachers and parents. Developing young people through sport requires partnership, commitment and collective responsibility.
For us, Taekwondo should complement education. We want young people to embrace the sport not simply as a competitive activity, but as part of their overall development.
Q: Once young talent is identified, how will GTF support its development?
A: Identifying talent is only the beginning. We want to build a pathway that allows promising young athletes to develop their skills and progress through the sport.
That means strengthening the structures around them, including coaches, instructors, officials and administrators, so that young people have the support they need as they develop.
The campaign is therefore not simply about introducing Taekwondo in different regions. It is part of our wider vision of bringing Taekwondo closer to the people and creating sustainable opportunities for young athletes.
As the newly elected leadership of the Ghana Taekwondo Federation, we are committed to building a Federation that is more visible, organised, inclusive and development-oriented.
To the young people we are engaging, I would say: embrace Taekwondo not merely as a sport, but as a way of life. Let its values of respect, discipline, perseverance, integrity and self-control complement your education and prepare you to become responsible leaders of tomorrow.
The young people we engage today are not only potential athletes. They are future professionals, teachers, instructors, officials, parents and citizens.
By: GTF Communications