Weweso M/A JHS Pupil Joycelyn Akosua Manu Duah Wins 2026 Otumfuo Community Reading Challenge

Joycelyn Akosua Manu Duah, a student at Weweso M/A Junior High School in the Oforikrom Municipality, has emerged as the winner of the 5th edition of the Otumfuo Community Reading Challenge. The grand finale, held at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, saw Duah secure the top spot with an impressive score of 95.2 points. The competition, which has become a hallmark of educational excellence in the region, featured five finalists selected from a rigorous pool of 60 Junior High Schools across the Ashanti and Ahafo Regions.

The final round was a closely contested affair, with Duah narrowly outperforming her peers. Stephanie Agyiewaa claimed the second position with a score of 95.1 points, trailing the winner by just 0.1 points, while Magdalene Duodu Akwabeng took third place with 94.3 points. For her exceptional performance, Joycelyn Akosua Manu Duah was awarded a comprehensive package including a scholarship, a cash prize of GH₵10,000, and various souvenirs. The winner expressed her gratitude for the initiative and encouraged her fellow students to dedicate themselves to their studies and participate in educational programs that help unearth their talents.

Organized by the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Foundation, the challenge is designed to foster a robust reading culture among Ghanaian youth. A unique aspect of the competition is its focus on bilingual literacy, requiring students to demonstrate proficiency in both English and the Twi language. This dual-language approach aims to not only improve academic reading skills but also to preserve and promote Ghanaian culture and linguistic heritage. The Otumfuo Hiahene, speaking at the event, emphasized the importance of such initiatives in building a knowledgeable and culturally grounded generation.

As the 2026 edition concludes, the success of the Weweso M/A Junior High School student serves as a testament to the effectiveness of community-based literacy programs. The Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Foundation continues to use this platform to identify and reward academic talent while encouraging schools throughout the Ashanti and Ahafo Regions to prioritize literacy. The challenge remains a key fixture in the regional educational calendar, providing a competitive yet supportive environment for students to improve their communication skills and cultural awareness.