The 5th edition of the Otumfuo Community Reading Challenge has been won by Weweso M/A JHS, with Joycelyn Akosua Manu Duah securing 95.2 points at the grand finale. The competition, established by the Otumfuo Foundation, aims to promote reading, improve literacy, and encourage students to develop their reading and comprehension skills. This year's event brought together outstanding student readers from different communities to compete at the grand finale held at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi.
Joycelyn Akosua Manu Duah, the Oduom champion of the competition, placed first ahead of four other finalists. Stephanie Agyiewaa, the Duayaw Nkwanta champion from Yamfo Methodist School, placed second with 95.1 points, while Magdalene Duodu Akwabeng, the Twedie champion from Manuel International School, finished third with 94.3 points. Randy Boakye Yiadom, the Obuasi champion from Bodomase St. Stephen R/C JHS, and Samuel Opoku Kyeremah, the Barekese champion from Adankwame D/A JHS, trailed behind with 92.9 and 91.0 points respectively.
The Otumfuo Community Reading Challenge is an annual reading competition that seeks to nurture a strong reading culture and develop the intellectual abilities of young people. According to Otumfuo Hiahene, Nana Prof. Oheneba Baochie-Adjei, initiatives such as this are crucial in promoting reading and education among young people. He commended the initiative and called for continued investment in reading and education.
As part of her prize package, Joycelyn will receive an Otumfuo Foundation scholarship to university, a GH¢10,000 cash prize, and souvenirs from sponsors. She expressed her gratitude to her school and supporters for the achievement and appreciated the Asantehene for the initiative. Joycelyn encouraged her peers to take their studies seriously and remain focused on their education.
Nana Prof. Oheneba Baochie-Adjei highlighted the importance of articulating one's thoughts in both the local dialect, Asante Twi, and English. He noted that this helps bridge the gap between indigenous and modern culture, and also enables students to learn about the history and culture of the Asantes. The competition requires students to read in both languages, promoting cultural awareness and understanding.
The Otumfuo Foundation's initiative has been praised for its role in promoting reading and education among young people. The competition has provided a platform for students to showcase their reading and comprehension skills, and has encouraged them to develop a love for reading. Joycelyn's achievement is a testament to the impact of the initiative, and it is expected that her success will inspire other students to take part in the competition.
The 2026 competition marked the fifth edition of the Otumfuo Community Reading Challenge. The event was reported by Godfred Obeng on October 3, 2026, and was published on Joy FM. The competition continues to be an important event in promoting reading and education among young people in Ghana.
Key points
- Joycelyn Akosua Manu Duah from Weweso M/A JHS wins the 5th edition of the Otumfuo Community Reading Challenge with 95.2 points.
- The Otumfuo Community Reading Challenge aims to promote reading, improve literacy, and encourage students to develop their reading and comprehension skills.
- Joycelyn will receive an Otumfuo Foundation scholarship to university, a GH¢10,000 cash prize, and souvenirs from sponsors as part of her prize package.
