Competitors Potted for Knockout Stage in Otumfuo Reading Challenge
The fate of the sixty Champions representing their respective communities in the Jubilee Edition of the Otumfuo Community Reading Challenge (OCRC), a reading competition for Junior High School (JHS) students is now in their hands following a successful balloting process.
The event took place at the Afia Kobi Memorial Park at the Manhyia Palace on July 26, 2024, with the Deputy Regional Director of Education, Mr Thomas Kwame Boateng, Regional Public Relations Officer, Mr Henry Osei Boateng and others in attendance.
The contestants unlike in previous editions of the competition organized by the Non-Governmental Organisation of the King of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, joined virtually from the comforts of their homes.
In his address, the Deputy Regional Director of Education, Mr Thomas Kwame Boateng commended the brains behind the initiative, stating that it has resuscitated the dead spirit of reading among Ghanaian students.
“The reading spirit of students in JHS was almost dying off but for this initiative. Distinguished ladies and Gentlemen, we draw the curtains on the OCRC balloting event, and we reflect on the profound impact that literacy and education have on our communities.”
He recognized that the gathering was not just about selecting participants but a celebration of shared commitment to foster a love for reading and life-long learning.
“The enthusiasm and support shown here are a testament to the collective belief in the transformation power of education to all the participants, sponsors, volunteers and organisers. Your dedication and hard work are what make an initiative like this possible and successful. Let us continue to champion the cause of literacy and ensure that every individual has the opportunity to unlock their full potential through the joy of reading.”
Pots
The 60 Champions sorted after stiff contests at the Community level were potted into three groups for onward balloting. Pot 1 had Konongo, Mampong, Offinso, Boaman, Kodie, Ejisu, Twedie, Mampongten, Kenyasi, Kwadaso, Tanoso, Atonsu, Tafo, BuoKrom, Bantama, Santasi, Asafo, Suame, Breman and Domeabra.
Pot 2 held Fomena, Nsuta, Agona, Drobonso, Kumawu, Adugyama, Effiduase, Mankranso, Kunsu, Abuakwa, Barekese, Kuntenase, Feyiase, Trede, Asawase, Asokore Mampong, Asokwa, Dekyemso, Oduom and Manso Nkwanta.
Pot 3 housed Manso Adubea, Jacubu, Akrofrom, Obuasi Tutuka, Obuasi Municipal, Adansi Asokwa, Bekwai, Dwaaso, Agogo, New Adubuase Asiwa, Ejura, Kona, Juaben, Tepa, Akomadan, Nyinahini, Toase, Nkawie and Oforikrom.
Throwing more light on the criteria used for the potting, Mr Tweneboah Kodua, the Coordinator for OCRC said the scores were the benchmark.
“The total mark for the Community stage competition was 75 so at the end, the highest score accumulated by a contestant was 72.7 and the lowest was 54.0. So out of the 75 score, champions with the highest score were grouped on Post 1. It ranges from 69.1 to 72.7. The middle score was grouped in Pot 2 ranging from 66.4 to 69.0 and we have the third highest score in Pot 3- those who had 54.0 to 66.4.”
Balloting
At the end of the balloting, Tafo, Oduom and Akomadan were drawn in Contest 1; Boaman, Adugyaman and New Edubiase in Contest 2; Konongo, Asokore and Kona in Contest 3; Twedie, Asokwa and Adansi Asokwa in Contest 4; Kodie, Trede and Juaso in Contest 5; Santasi, Feyiase and Akrofrom in Contest 6; Tanoso, Barekese and Obuasi in Contest 7; Ejisu, Dichemso and Bekwai in Contest 8; Asafo, Asawasi and Manso Edubia Contest 9; and Offinso, Manso Nkwanta and Agogo in Contest 10.
Mampongten, Nsuta and Asiwa in Contest 11; Atonsu, Kumawu and Obuasi Tutuka in Contest 12; Kenyasi, Mankraso and Juaben in Contest 13; Kwadaso, Abuakwa and Oforikrom in Contest 14; Breman, Agona and Nyinahini in Contest 15; Domeabra, Drobonso and Nkawie in Contest 16; Suame, Kunsu and Toaso in Contest 17; Bantama, Kuntenase and Jacobu in Contest 18; Buokrom, Effiduase and Ejura in Contest 19; and Mampong, Fomena and Tepa in Contest 20.
Mr Kodua indicated that the placement of a champion will not determine whether that champion or community will progress, exit or win the competition.
“Everyone has the chance to win,” he stated.
Aftermath
The Competition is now heading into the knockout stage which has four stages including the Round of 60, Round of 40, Quarterfinal and Semifinals.
“In the knockout stage, two champions from each contest will qualify for the next stage while 20 exit the competition. There will be 20 contests in Round of 40 as well. The winner of Contest One will meet the first runner-up of Contest 11 while the first runner-up of contest One will also face the winner of Contest 11 and it goes on like that,” the Coordinator explained.
Five contestants will subsequently qualify for the finals which will take place at the Manhyia Palace.
