By Harisu Laminu | Sports Desk|
Bolgatanga, September 29, 2026
The Upper East Regional Taekwondo Association has appealed for greater institutional and financial support after recording an impressive medal haul at the 2026 Korea Ambassador’s Cup National Open Taekwondo Championship.
The Association made the appeal when its leadership, coaches and athletes paid a courtesy visit to the Upper East Regional Minister on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at the Regional Minister’s office in Bolgatanga to present medals won by some of its athletes.
The Korea Ambassador’s Cup is an annual national open championship organised by the Ghana Taekwondo Federation with sponsorship from the Embassy of the Republic of Korea.
The delegation was led by ABDUL RAHMAN DANLADI the Regional Director of the National Sports Authority (NSA) and included executives of the Upper East Regional Taekwondo Association, coaches and athletes.
Also present at the meeting were the Upper East Regional Minister, the Regional Coordinating Director, the Deputy Regional Coordinating Director and the Public Relations Officer of the Regional Coordinating Council.
From One Medal to 17
Briefing the Regional Minister, Jesse Adagwine Apalazoya on behalf of the Upper East Regional Taekwondo Association highlighted the steady progress made by the region’s athletes since the Association began participating in the Korea Ambassador’s Cup.
According to the Association, the region’s journey began in 2019, where they secured a silver medal, becoming the first for the region.
The 2020 edition was not held because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2021, the region was unable to participate despite having prepared athletes, due to a lack of funds.
The Association returned in 2022, winning three medals. Adongo Maxwell secured bronze, while Gideon Aduko won two silver medals in two different categories.
Financial difficulties, however, forced the region to miss the competition again in 2023 and 2024, with the Association citing inadequate funds for transportation, accommodation and feeding.
Historic 2025 Performance
The Upper East Region made a strong return in 2025, recording what the Association described as a historic performance by winning five medals — two gold, two bronze and one silver.
A major highlight was the performance of Patience Ali Chakoja, a student of Bolgatanga Girls Senior High School (BOGISS), who became the first female athlete from the region to win gold and bronze medals at the competition.
Other medalists included Abdul-Haqq Timmi Abugdor, who won bronze, and Owusu Ferguson Corsah, who secured gold and silver.
Eight Medals in 2026
The Association continued its progress in 2026, returning from this year’s competition with eight medals — one gold, one silver and six bronze.
Among the medal winners was Kevina Anongba Dalaba, who won two bronze medals on her debut.
Abdul-Gaffar Tetera also secured two bronze medals, while Owusu Ferguson Corsah won silver.
Ali Patience Chakoja further enhanced her medal record by winning gold and bronze.
The latest performance brings the Upper East Region’s total medal tally at the competition to 17 medals, representing a significant progression from the region’s first medal in 2019.
Association Appeals for Support
Despite the progress, the Association says inadequate resources remain a major obstacle to the development of Taekwondo in the region.
The President expressed concern about what the Association described as limited support from regional leaders, despite the athletes’ efforts to project the image of the Upper East Region at national competitions.
The Association also identified the lack of training equipment and a dedicated training facility as major challenges.
According to the Association, the absence of basic equipment has made training difficult, with athletes having to train under conditions it described as “abstract.”
The Association is therefore appealing for GH¢25,000 to purchase basic Taekwondo training equipment to improve preparations for competitions.
It has also appealed to the Regional Minister to consider the inclusion of a Taekwondo Dojang — a dedicated Taekwondo training facility — in plans for the development of the Bolgatanga Sports Stadium.
Minister Assures Association of Support
In response, the Upper East Regional Minister commended the athletes, coaches and executives of the Association for their commitment and achievements in representing the region at the national level.
The Minister assured the Association of his support and indicated his willingness to collaborate with them to address some of the challenges confronting the sport.
He further assured the delegation that their concerns would be considered as part of broader efforts to develop sports infrastructure and opportunities in the region.
The Minister noted that plans for the development of the Bolgatanga Sports Stadium are in the pipeline and assured the Association that there would be further engagement to explore how their concerns, including the proposed Taekwondo Dojang, could be incorporated into the development process.
The visit ended with the presentation of medals by the athletes to the Regional Minister, marking another significant milestone for Taekwondo development in the Upper East Region.
With the region’s medal tally growing from one in 2019 to 17 in 2026, the Association believes sustained institutional support, equipment and appropriate training facilities could help unlock even greater potential among young Taekwondo athletes in the region.
Source:Mybluewavesonline.com/Maurice Duncan/Bolgatanga
