The Executive Director of the Ghana National Council of Private Schools (GNACOPS), Obenfo Nana Kwasi Gyetuah, has called for sports to be moved from the margins of Ghana’s education system and placed at the centre of how children are educated.

He made the call at the regional launch of Taekwondo Education in private schools in the Ashanti Region, where he argued that sports should no longer be treated as merely “co-curricular” activities.

“For too long, we have treated sports as something children do after the real learning is done,” he said. “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 approach because it develops physical fitness alongside discipline, self-control, focus and respect.

The Taekwondo Education programme is part of GNACOPS’ efforts to strengthen structured sports programmes in private schools and identify young talent early. The programme is also expected to create pathways for learners to progress from school competitions to district, regional, national and international levels.

Obenfo urged school proprietors and heads to give sports adequate time, space and resources rather than treating participation as optional.

“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 said.

He also called on government, the Ghana Education Service and other stakeholders to invest in sports facilities and coach development to support schools and young athletes.

The launch brought together private school proprietors, educators, Taekwondo officials, learners and other stakeholders, and featured demonstrations by young Taekwondo practitioners.

By: GTF Communications