Media, sports stakeholders rally behind Frederick Lartey Otu as Ghana braces for historic taekwondo elections

As Saturday’s Ghana Taekwondo Federation (GTF) Elective Congress draws near, a powerful coalition of media figures and sports stakeholders has thrown its weight behind incumbent president Frederick Lartey Otu, who is seeking an unprecedented third term at the helm of the sport.

The election, scheduled for Saturday, July 18, 2026, at the Media Centre of the Accra Sports Stadium, promises to be a watershed moment for Ghanaian taekwondo, with four key positions—President, Vice President, and two Executive Board Member slots—up for grabs. The outcome will shape the direction of the sport through to 2030, spanning two Olympic cycles and numerous continental and Commonwealth assignments.

A Groundswell of Support

The rallying cry behind Otu’s re-election bid began in earnest at a two-day Leadership Retreat held at Plus 33 Hotel in Sakumono from April 10 to 11. There, 15 top officials of the federation—comprising Executive Board members and Regional Association chiefs—formally endorsed his candidature through a petition.

Mr Kankpenuba Peter Nuntaa Wisdom, a National Board Member and Upper West Regional Chairman, read the petition before the gathering. The document, signed by the 15 officials, stated: “We, the undersigned members of the Executive Board, Regional Associations and Stakeholders of the Ghana Taekwondo Federation, hereby endorse and support this petition calling on Mr Frederick Lartey Otu to stand for re-election as President of the Federation”.

The petition underscored that Otu’s first term was burdened by legal disputes that hindered full implementation of his vision, making his second term the true period of fruition. “At this critical stage, there is no better or more experienced person to consolidate these gains. In my considered view, there is currently no perfect replacement capable of sustaining the momentum he has built”, Mr Kankpenuba stressed.

A Legacy of Transformation

Otu, who holds a sixth-dan black belt in taekwondo, has presided over one of the most successful periods in Ghanaian taekwondo history. Under his administration, Ghana won its first-ever gold medal at a World Championship-level event in Korea, when Henrietta—then a student at UPSA—triumphed at the Korea Ambassador’s Cup.

Perhaps his most significant achievement has been pioneering Para Taekwondo in Ghana. Ghana secured a bronze medal at the World Para Taekwondo Championships in 2015, and in 2021, the nation emerged as the third-best country in Africa at the African Para Taekwondo Championships. The crowning moment came when Patricia Kyeremeh qualified for the Paris Paralympic Games—Ghana’s first-ever Paralympic qualification in the sport.

Beyond medals, Otu has prioritised institutional reforms, establishing structured certification programmes for coaches and referees. His recent re-appointment as Chairman of the African Taekwondo Union Development Committee for the 2026–2028 term further affirms continental confidence in his leadership.

Election Process Underway

The electoral process has been meticulous. The Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) inaugurated an independent Vetting Committee and Elections Committee to oversee the congress—a landmark intervention aimed at resolving internal disputes “in-house” and avoiding destructive external legal battles. The vetting of candidates was conducted virtually via Zoom on Sunday, July 12, with Otu appearing before the panel from 2:00 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.. He faces a challenge from Charles Tsibo Cromwell for the presidency.

Delegates from across the country will gather on Saturday to cast their votes by secret ballot, with results to be declared immediately after counting.

A Historic Moment for Ghana Taekwondo

The GTF constitution, aligned with World Taekwondo regulations, permits Otu to seek re-election. Should he succeed, it would mark a historic third term for the man widely regarded as the architect of Ghana taekwondo’s modern success.

As Saturday approaches, the chorus of support from media and sports stakeholders grows louder. The petition’s closing words capture the sentiment shared by many: “By signing this document, I affirm my support for the continued leadership of Mr Frederick Lartey Otu and the progress of the Ghana Taekwondo Federation”.

For Ghanaian taekwondo, Saturday is not merely an election—it is a defining moment that will determine whether the sport consolidates its hard-won gains or charts a new course into the future.