Mr Charles Amofah, Secretary General of the Ghana Taekwondo Federation, has called on the youth to take up the skill as it would help instill discipline in them.

He said this in Bolgatanga during a five-day Taekwondo training programme jointly organised by the Ghana Taekwondo Federation, a team of Peace Corps from the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) based in Korea and the Ghana Sports Council for some selected schools in the Upper East Region.

Mr Amofah said Taekwondo was meant to train people to fight and explained that apart from the sport being a disciplined game, the training also ensures physical fitness.

He said the training programme targeted some selected schools in the Northern, Upper East and Upper West Regions to groom talents for the national team, as part of a five-year development plan, to enable them compete locally and internationally.

The Secretary General commended the Korean Embassy in Ghana and the Peace Corps of Korea for the Taekwondo training, adding that, it would help enhance the bilateral relations between Ghana and Korea.

Reverend Pius Prah, the Director of Evergreen International School, who is also one of the trainers for the Upper East Regional Taekwondo Team, expressed regret that most schools in the region shied away from the training programme because of the perception that it was meant to prepare people to fight.

“When I was about to introduce Taekwondo training in my school, most parents kicked against it, but I went ahead and started the training as part of the curricula. Now the results are showing. Most of the school pupils now look smart, fit and active and also disciplined.

“The rules and regulations of Taekwondo ensure discipline and this reflects in their growth and daily activities,” the Director stressed.

He said a regional team would be visiting schools in the area soon to encourage and support them.

The Korean Peace Corps trained with the Eagle Taekwondo Club in Bolgatanga, the Evergreen International Preparatory School Taekwondo Club, as well as the Zorko and Bongo Senior High schools.

The final programme was held at the Bolgatanga Girls Senior High and the Bolgatanga Senior High Schools.