In Kumasi, the Ghana Taekwondo Federation (GTF) launched a Regional Taekwondo Awareness Campaign that drew about 500 schoolchildren from 10 private schools across the Ashanti Region. The event marked the first step of a five‑region push that will later include the Northern, Upper West, Bono and Central regions.
The programme, themed “Promoting Taekwondo Awareness, Discipline, Fitness and Youth Development,” aims to widen access to the martial art, spot young talent early and foster discipline, physical fitness, self‑defence and confidence among children.
Frederick Lartey Otu, GTF President, said the campaign represents a broader strategy to use Taekwondo as a youth‑development tool.
"The future of Taekwondo in Ghana lies not only in producing champions, but also in producing disciplined, responsible and confident young people," he said.
Obenfo Nana Kwasi Gyetuah, Executive Director of the Ghana National Council of Private Schools (GNACOPS), urged a rethink of sports’ role in education.
"Sports should not be treated simply as a co‑curricular activity but as an important part of developing the whole child," 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."He called on schools and parents to give sports adequate time, space and support.
Nana Gyaama Dakwa, Ashanti Regional Director of the National Sports Authority (NSA), pledged the Directorate’s support for grassroots sports development and encouraged more schools to join Taekwondo.
"When the kids know how to defend themselves, especially the ladies, I think it will be of much help to them," she said.
The launch featured demonstrations by schoolchildren and Taekwondo practitioners, including Poomsae and self‑defence techniques. The GTF National Executive Board also presented uniforms and equipment to the Ashanti Regional Taekwondo Association to support training and development.
The event brought together school proprietors, teachers, parents, coaches, Taekwondo officials and representatives of the National Sports Authority and GNACOPS, signalling a united front for integrating Taekwondo into Ghana’s educational and community fabric.
As the campaign rolls out across the five regions, stakeholders will monitor participation rates and talent identification, with the hope that Taekwondo will become a staple of Ghanaian schools and a springboard for future national and international competitors.
