Ghana Taekwondo Federation rubbishes accusations made by demonstrators

The Ghana Taekwondo Federation (GTF) has rubbished accusations levelled against its president, Mr. Fredrick Otu Lartey of breaching the constitution of the federation.

Last week, a group of Taekwondo practitioners demonstrated to register their displeasure against the president for mismanaging the federation and asked him to step down.

At a press conference in Accra on Tuesday, the Federation denied the accusations by the demonstrators, claiming that the president has not infringed the constitution to warrant his impeachment.

The Federation also rejected claims accusing the President of overstaying his term, indiscipline, causing financial loss, creating division among members and misappropriation of the federation’s fund.

According to the Federation, Mr. Lartey’s is to serve for four years and was elected into office on November 1, 2013, which means that his tenure of office has not ended as claimed by the demonstrators.

An executive member, Lawyer Kennedy Anaba, said the demonstrators should have verified any information they needed from the Federation instead of spreading falsehood.

The President, Otu Lartey said he believes there are hidden faces behind the demonstration, and that, most of the demonstrators do not take part in any competitions organized by the GTF.

He said the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) handles its finances so there is no way the president can cause financial loss to the federation as claimed by the demonstrators.

“Am surprised about the demonstration and its unfortunate. I will continue to do my work and will not back out. I love taekwondo,’’ he said in an interview with the GNA Sports.

The Director of Sport of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Mr. Joshua Mensah said the demonstrators should have settled their grievances amicably with the federation instead of demonstrating.

Source: GNA