The 25th anniversary of Otumfou Osei Tutu II’s reign as the king of the Ashanti Kingdom is a celebration of longevity; it’s a commemoration marked by a plethora of remarkable activities, each designed to honor the rich cultural heritage and promote the advancement of the Ashanti people. Among the array of programs slated for this grand occasion, one stands out prominently – the Otumfuo Community Reading Challenge.
An annual event organized by the Otumfou Osei Tutu Foundation, the Otumfou Community Reading Challenge holds a special place in the hearts of the Ashanti people. This year, the spotlight shines on Junior High Schools (JHS) across the Ashanti region of Ghana. Spearheading this noble initiative is Dr. William Kwame Amankra, affectionately known as “adwumawura,” the Regional Director of Education in the Ashanti region. Dr. Amankra’s unwavering commitment to the educational sector has been pivotal in ensuring that the 25th Anniversary of the Ashanti Kingdom leaves a lasting impact, particularly in the realm of education.
The program is scheduled to start in April 2024. The Otumfou Community Reading Challenge promises to be a transformative experience for participants. Each district within the Ashanti region is tasked with selecting its top three performing students to compete at the zonal level. The zenith of the competition awaits at the Regional level, which will be hosted at the Prempeh Assembly Hall. Here, the best-performing districts from each zone will converge to vie for the coveted title. The grand finale unfolds at the majestic Mahyia Palace in September 2024, where the contestants are expected to be in white shirts to showcase their literary prowess before His Majesty, Otumfou Osei Tutu II.
Basic Rules for the Competition
Central to the competition are the common rules that govern the reading challenge. Participants will engage in two rounds of intense reading, with the first round dedicated to Asante Twi – a language deeply entrenched in the cultural fabric of the Ashanti people. Within a span of two minutes, contestants must demonstrate proficiency in pronunciation, fluency, punctuation, and time management. Those who excel in this round progress to the next, where they will demonstrate their mastery of both English and Twi. In the event of a tie, a third round will be invoked to determine the ultimate victor.
The Otumfou Community Reading Challenge aims to unearth the region’s finest readers in both Asante Twi and English. It serves as a platform for students to showcase their reading skills, fostering a culture of literacy and academic excellence within the Ashanti community.
Awards and Presents
Recognition awaits the best-performing district, with rewards encompassing both monetary and non-monetary incentives. However, the pinnacle of the competition lies in the grand finale will be graced by the presence of Otumfou Osei Tutu II and other dignitaries. Special awards will be bestowed upon the standout contestants, with particular emphasis on the district that emerges as the overall winner.
As the Ashanti Kingdom commemorates a quarter-century of royal stewardship, this initiative stands as a testament to the monarch’s continuous support to education and the holistic development of his people. Through the power of reading, the Ashanti youth are empowered to embrace their heritage, aspire for greatness, and chart a course towards a brighter future.
GH Educate will bring to you the developments regarding this program.
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