Upper East Regional Minister Donatus Akamugri Atanga has pledged support for the Upper East Regional Taekwondo Association, including efforts to address its equipment needs and consider facilities for the sport in the planned regional sports complex.
The commitment followed the association’s presentation of eight medals won at the 2026 Korea Ambassador’s Cup Championship in August.
The Upper East team returned from the competition with one gold, one silver and six bronze medals.
During the presentation, Mr Akamugri said sports should be considered not only as entertainment but also as an avenue for youth development, employment and livelihoods.
He said the government’s planned sports infrastructure for the region could help address some of the challenges confronting different sporting disciplines.
The Minister directed the Upper East Regional Coordinating Director, Bless Kwame Darkey, to engage the Taekwondo Association over its immediate equipment needs.
The association has requested about GH¢25,000 worth of training equipment, and Mr Akamugri said the Regional Coordinating Council would explore ways of providing support.
He also disclosed that a technical team from Accra was expected in the region in the first week of October to inspect the proposed site for the regional sports complex and consider how different sporting disciplines could be accommodated.
Mr Akamugri therefore urged the association to engage the technical team and identify the specific facilities required for taekwondo for consideration in the plans.
He further assured the association that the RCC would intervene if challenges arose over access to its current training facility while plans for the new sports infrastructure were being developed.
Assistant Coach of the Upper East Regional Taekwondo Association, Jesse Apalazoya, who spoke on behalf of the group, said athletes from the region had continued to perform at competitions despite inadequate resources.
He said the association lacked sufficient training equipment and did not have a permanent training facility.
According to him, the centre currently used by the association does not belong to it, creating uncertainty over its long-term training arrangements.
Coach Apalazoya appealed for support to provide athletes with the equipment and facilities needed to improve their training and performances at competitions.
The association subsequently presented its eight Korea Ambassador’s Cup medals to the Regional Minister.
Source: Upper East Regional Coordinating Council
