Wa Secondary Technical School (WASECTECH) on Saturday, 13th December, 2025 hosted a vibrant High School Karate Championship, bringing together over 80 student-athletes (karatekas) from four senior high schools in the Wa Municipality to compete in a showcase of discipline, skill, and sportsmanship.
The championship was organised by the Kensei-Kai Foundation in partnership with the KGL Foundation as part of efforts to promote youth development, self-defence, and character building through karate.
The participating schools were Wa Secondary School (WASEC), Al-Jamait Islamic Girls Senior High School, Wa Secondary Technical School (WASECTECH), and Naa Momori Technical School.
The event attracted key stakeholders, including the Regional Sports Director, the Public Relations Officer of the Regional Education Directorate, the Regional Police Commander, various school heads, and the President of the WKM Karate Association (Chief). Three officials from the Ghana Karate Federation (GKF) were also present to officiate and ensure the competition adhered to national standards.
Proceedings began with the grading and assessment of participating athletes, during which an impressive 95% of the students were promoted to Yellow Belt, marking a significant milestone in their karate journey. This was followed by competitive events including Team Kata (pre-arranged movements), Team Kumite (sparring), and Team Gohon Kumite (application of basic techniques).
At the end of the competition, WASECTECH emerged as the overall champions, dominating several categories. They secured Gold medals in Team Kata (Girls), Team Kumite (Girls), Team Gohon Kumite (Girls), Team Kumite (Boys), and Team Gohon Kumite (Boys), as well as Silver in Team Kata (Boys). WASEC followed closely, winning Gold in Team Kata (Boys) and Silver medals in Team Kumite (Girls), Team Kumite (Boys), and Team Gohon Kumite (Boys). Al-Jamait Islamic Girls SHS and Naa Momori Technical School also put up commendable performances to place third and fourth respectively.
Speaking at the event, the Regional Sports Director, Mr. John Biliguo, highlighted the importance of sports in national development, noting that karate instils discipline, confidence, and respect among young people. He commended the organisers for using sport as a tool to nurture talent and positive values in schools.
The PRO of the Regional Education Directorate, speaking on behalf of the Regional Director of Education, praised the initiative for complementing academic work with structured physical and moral development, and assured continued institutional support for such programmes.
In his address, the Founder of Kensei-Kai Foundation, Sensei Dickson Enam Kwame Acolatse, expressed profound gratitude to the KGL Foundation and all stakeholders for their unwavering support, which has enabled the High School Karate Initiative to become a reality. He noted that the success of the championship demonstrates the potential of karate to transform young lives and announced plans to expand the initiative to other regions, while appealing to more stakeholders and donors to come on board.
The championship ended on a high note with medal presentations, certificates, and a strong sense of enthusiasm among students, teachers, and officials, reinforcing Wa’s growing reputation as a hub for youth sports development.