The Ghana Taekwondo Federation (GTF) is gearing up to assert its presence at the 2024 African Qualification Tournament for Paris 2024 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games in Dakar, Senegal Scheduled from February 9th to 11th, 2024.
Leading the charge for Ghana are two promising athletes in the Para Taekwondo category: Patricia Kyeremaa competing in the K44 +65Kg and Emmanuel Kofi Turkson in the K40 +75Kg, under the guidance coach George Ablometi.
Kyeremaa, a stand out performer with a gold medal win at the 2022 African Para Championship, aims to secure Ghana’s spot at the 2024 Paralympics. Notably, she made history as the first Ghanaian Taekwondo athlete to grace the Grand Prix in Paris 2022. Despite her achievements, Kyeremaa has faced setbacks, slipping from a world ranking of 9 to 14 due to limited international participation in subsequent championships.
They are expected to compete on Friday and Saturday, February 9 and 10, 2024 at the at the Dakar Arena.
Additionally, the national team, vying for qualification on Saturday and Sunday, February 10 & 11, comprises, Eunice Omolara Adedapo (-57Kg), Henrietta Naa Ayele Armah (-49Kg) and Benson Addo (-58Kg),However, Michael Davidson (-80Kg) who tough registered, could not secure funding for the trip. The team will be guided by Coaches Augustus Agbozo and Selorm Fayise.
Sponsorship remains a significant hurdle for the GTF, with the Para Taekwondo team primarily supported by World Taekwondo, supplemented by financial aid from the GTF executive board for the qualifiers. Unfortunately, the regular team members have had to fend for themselves.
Nevertheless, Ghana anticipates making history with only one Taekwondo Olympian since the sport’s inception in the country and aims at notable achievements in this tournament.
Moreover, this championship serves as a vital preparation for the upcoming African Games slated to be hosted in Ghana in March 2024.
By: Davis Nii Attuquaye Clottey
