The Ghana Taekwondo Federation (GTF) is set for an Executive Board Election on July 18, 2026, with a newly unveiled ticket, “Team Otu,” formally launching its campaign under the slogan “Together, We Deliver”
The team is headlined by presidential candidate Mr. Frederick Lartey Otu, whose candidacy is anchored on a platform of proven leadership, proven results, and proven commitment. He is joined on the ticket by Mr. Maxwell Theodore Alornyo, running for Vice-President and campaigning as a visionary and dedicated leader ready to serve.
Rounding out the slate are two candidates for Executive Member positions, Mr. Kankpenuba Peter Nuntaa Wisdom, described as committed, competent and community-focused, and Mr. Simon Koku Gluikpor, positioned as an experienced, dependable and results-oriented administrator.
A Manifesto Centred on Athletes and Governance
Team Otu has outlined a clear set of commitments underpinning its bid for office. The ticket has pledged to:
1. Put athletes at the centre of all federation decisions
2. Promote transparency, good governance and accountability
3. Invest in the development of coaches, referees and technical officials
4. Strengthen regional development and inclusion across the country
5. Build strong partnerships to secure sustainable resources
6. Prepare and empower athletes to compete and win on the African and world stage
The team mission is to build a modern, inclusive and globally competitive Ghana Taekwondo Federation one that creates opportunities for every athlete, coach, referee and stakeholder in the sport.
This vision is anchored on four pillars. 1.A proven team, clear vision
2. Real experience
3. Firm commitment to service and development.
Campaign Slogan
Running under the banner “One Team. One Vision. One Goal. Excellence for Ghana”, the campaign is framing its bid as a pathway to stronger leadership and greater opportunities for Taekwondo practitioners nationwide, under the broader message, “Strong Leadership, Greater Opportunities, Brighter Future for Taekwondo in Ghana”
Pioneering Para Taekwondo
Among Otu’s most significant achievements is the introduction and development of Para Taekwondo in Ghana. Under his stewardship, Ghana won a bronze medal at the World Para Taekwondo Championships in 2015 and emerged as the third-best country in Africa at the 2021 African Para Taekwondo Championships in Niger. Perhaps most remarkably, Ghana qualified for the Paralympic Games for the very first time when Patricia Kyeremeh secured a spot at the Paris Paralympic Games, a feat widely considered one of the defining moments in Ghanaian taekwondo history.
Historic Mainstream Success
Otu’s era has also been defined by unprecedented success in mainstream taekwondo. It was during his administration that Ghana won its first-ever gold medal at a World Championship-level event in Korea, when Henrietta, then a student at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), emerged victorious at the Korea Ambassador’s Cup. At the 13th African Games hosted by Ghana, taekwondo was the only martial arts sport to win medals for the nation, with Erica Tuagbor and Kelvin Amuzu claiming silver and Gerald Bernard Sarfo taking bronze.
Institutional Reforms and Capacity Building
Beyond medals, Otu has focused on institutional reforms. He prioritised the training and licensing of coaches and referees, establishing structured certification programmes to ensure professionalism and adherence to international standards. Ghana now boasts a growing number of licensed coaches and referees, a legacy expected to benefit the sport for years to come. The federation has also commenced a National Licence Coaching Course aimed at training 40 unlicensed coaches from member regional associations.
International Recognition
Otu’s leadership has earned him a seat at the highest tables of global taekwondo. He holds several prestigious international positions, including World Taekwondo 1st Class International Referee, WT Technical Delegate, and Council Member of both the African Taekwondo Union and Commonwealth Taekwondo Union. He is the first Ghanaian to serve on all three international bodies of taekwondo. In 2024, he attained the prestigious Kukkiwon 7th Dan Black Belt, making him the highest Dan Black Belt holder in Ghana.
He also serves as 2nd Vice President of the Ghana Olympic Committee and was honoured by the Institute of Directors-Ghana following his election to the Commonwealth Taekwondo Union Council.
Overwhelming Support
Otu’s candidacy has received a significant boost from within the federation. In a powerful show of confidence, 15 top officials, comprising Executive Board members and Regional Association chiefs, endorsed his bid for a third term through a formal petition. The petition described Otu as a leader who has demonstrated “visionary leadership, resilience, and personal sacrifice in advancing taekwondo in Ghana”, and argued that “at this critical stage, there is no better or more experienced person to consolidate these gains”.
The GTF constitution, aligned with World Taekwondo regulations, permits Otu to seek re-election despite already serving two terms. With historic medals, Paralympic qualification, athlete development opportunities, and institutional reforms to his credit, Otu’s tenure has been marked by transformative achievements.
As the July 18 congress approaches, Frederick Lartey Otu stands on an unassailable record of success, poised to secure another mandate and lead Ghana taekwondo to even greater heights.