Wa Secondary Technical School hosted a High School Karate Championship on Saturday, drawing more than 80 students from four senior high schools in the Wa Municipality.

The event, organised by the Kensei-Kai Foundation in partnership with the KGL Foundation, brought together students from Wa Secondary Technical School, Wa Senior High School, Al-Jamait Islamic Girls Senior High School and Naa Momori Technical School. It formed part of an initiative aimed at promoting youth development through martial arts, discipline and self-defence.

WASECTECH emerged as overall champions after a strong showing across categories. The hosts won gold medals in Team Kata Girls, Team Kumite Girls, Team Gohon Kumite Girls, Team Kumite Boys and Team Gohon Kumite Boys, plus silver in Team Kata Boys.

WASEC followed with gold in Team Kata Boys and silver medals in several team events. Al-Jamait Islamic Girls SHS and Naa Momori Technical School placed third and fourth respectively.

The championship attracted key stakeholders, including officials from the Regional Sports Directorate, the Regional Education Directorate, the Ghana Karate Federation and the Upper West Regional Police Command.

Three Ghana Karate Federation officials supervised the competition to ensure adherence to national standards.

Proceedings began with a grading session, where about 95 percent of participants were promoted to Yellow Belt, highlighting progress within the school karate programme. Competitive events followed in Team Kata, Team Kumite and Team Gohon Kumite.

Regional Sports Director John Biliguo commended the organisers, noting karate’s role in building discipline, confidence and respect among students. Education Directorate officials also praised the programme for complementing academic work with structured physical development.

Kensei-Kai Foundation founder Dickson Enam Kwame Acolatse thanked partners and stakeholders, confirming plans to expand the initiative to other regions.

The event ended with medal and certificate presentations, reinforcing Wa’s growing profile in youth sports development.