The Ghana Taekwondo Federation (GTF) has taken its nationwide talent development drive to the Upper West Region, introducing 315 students from five schools to the sport as its grassroots campaign surpassed 1,000 participants across three regions.
The latest outreach, held at the Wa Technical Institute last Friday, marked the third edition of the Regional Taekwondo Awareness Campaign, following successful engagements in Kumasi and Cape Coast.
With 26 schools reached across the Ashanti, Central and Upper West regions, the federation is intensifying efforts to expand taekwondo's grassroots presence, unearth promising talent and establish stronger links with educational institutions.
Organised through the GTF's regional associations, the initiative also seeks to promote physical fitness, discipline and personal development among young people.
The initiative attracted support from the National Sports Authority (NSA), Ghana Education Service (GES), Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) and traditional authorities.
NSA Regional Sports Development Officer, Biliguo Johnbosco, commended the federation and the Upper West Regional Taekwondo Association for expanding opportunities at the grassroots.
He reaffirmed the NSA's commitment to talent identification and inclusive sports development, emphasising that girls and persons with disabilities must have equal access to sporting opportunities.
However, the federation's ambition to establish a stronger presence in schools faces an administrative hurdle.
The campaign also addressed the dangers of substance abuse, with NACOC's Wa Municipal Commander, JB Abesig, warning students against misusing medication to enhance physical performance or remain awake while studying.
"Some substances go to block your memory," he cautioned, urging young people to avoid unprescribed medication.
