Weweso JHS celebrates Joycelyn’s victory in Otumfuo Reading Challenge

Joycelyn Akosua Manu Duah, a pupil of Weweso Methodist Junior High School, captured the crown in the fifth edition of the Otumfuo Community Reading Challenge. She accumulated 95.2 points to edge out four other finalists at the grand finale hosted in the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi. Stephanie Agyiewaa, the Duayaw Nkwanta champion from Yamfo Methodist School, trailed closely with 95.1 points to finish second. Magdalene Duodu Akwabeng of Manuel International School, representing Twedie, placed third with 94.3 points, while Randy Boakye Yiadom from Bodomase St. Stephen R/C JHS in Obuasi secured fourth with 92.9 points. Samuel Opoku Kyeremah, the Barekese champion from Adankwame D/A JHS, completed the top five with 91.0 points.

The competition, organised by the Otumfuo Foundation, seeks to boost reading, improve literacy and nurture comprehension skills among basic school pupils across the Ashanti region. Now in its fifth year, the event gathers the best student readers from various communities for a final showdown. Joycelyn’s prize package includes a scholarship from the Otumfuo Foundation to pursue tertiary education, a cash award of GH¢10,000 and assorted souvenirs from corporate partners.

Joycelyn thanked her teachers, schoolmates and the Asantehene for supporting the initiative. She urged fellow students to take their studies seriously and remain focused on academic excellence. The Asantehene’s Hiahene, Nana Prof. Oheneba Baochie-Adjei, praised the programme for fostering a strong reading culture. He highlighted that proficiency in both Asante Twi and English equips learners with a deeper appreciation of their heritage and modern knowledge. He called for sustained investment in reading and education to develop the intellectual capacities of the youth.

The Otumfuo Foundation announced that preparations are underway for next year’s edition, aiming to expand participation and deepen community involvement.