The grand finale of the Otumfuo Community Reading Challenge (OCRC) concluded in a fierce competition held at the Jubilee Auditorium at Manhyia Palace on Friday (20 September).
The event saw 15-year-old Francis Osei Boamah from Nkwantakese DA JHS claim the top spot after scoring an impressive 96.7 points, representing the Boaman community. His outstanding performance earned him the coveted 2024 OCRC trophy and a cash prize of ten thousand cedi (₵10,000).
Maame Twumwaa Antwi Baffour, also 15, followed closely behind, Feyiase D/A JHS, who secured 96.2 points, placing her in second position. Akua Amankwaa, 14, from Emmanuel International School, representing Twedie, came in third with 94.3 points, while Freda Owusuaa Acheampong from Mensah Saahene M/A JHS, representing Mampong, placed fourth with 93.4 points.
Another participant, Salamatu Issah of Holy Prophet Islamic School, representing Mankranso, scored 93.4 points and finished fifth.
The 2024 champion, Francis Boamah expressed his immense gratitude to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and the Otumfuo Foundation for the birthing of this initiative to enhance students learning ability and exploring their potential through literacy.
Gracing the occasion, board chairman of the Otumfuo Foundation and the Otumfuo Hiahene, Oheneba Boachie Woahene II described the contest as “an inspiration for all to witness the determination, brilliance and potential of young learners through competitiveness.
“This challenge is not just a competition but a movement that seeks to ignite a lifelong love of reading in our children. To promote bilingual reading, an effort preserves and protect our culture to prepare our future leaders for the world at large. This program gives the students confidence that they can achieve anything they set their minds on”, he added.
The 2024 OCRC commemorates the silver jubilee celebration of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the revered Asante monarch. In his 25 years of reign, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has been a key advocate for education, and the reading challenge is a testament to his vision of fostering academic excellence among the youth.
