The National Spelling Bee (TNSB) has officially announced the semi-finalists for its 2026 edition, and this year’s list tells a powerful story about Ghana’s children, their determination, and the growing energy around literacy nationwide.

Over 70 schools have qualified from across the country, showing once again that when it comes to academic excellence, Ghanaian children are truly rising to the occasion.

Now in its 19th year, TNSB remains Ghana’s only pathway to the world-famous Scripps National Spelling Bee in the USA. But the programme has always been about more than spelling. Through months of training, children learn how to break down words, apply logic, build vocabulary, and strengthen their comprehension—skills that support them far beyond the competition and into every aspect of their academic lives.

This year’s Semi-Finals come with a remarkable and inspiring highlight: Tamale, the capital of the Northern Region, is presenting 114 semi-finalists—the highest number ever recorded from any city in the Bee’s history. 

For a region that is often overlooked in national competitions, this milestone is not only historic but also deeply meaningful. It reflects a growing hunger for learning in northern Ghana and the Bee’s long-standing promise to reach every child, everywhere.

Convener of the National Spelling Bee, Eugenia Tachie-Menson, shared, “Every year, these young people amaze us. Their passion, resilience, and curiosity push us to keep improving the way we teach and engage with them. Over the past year, we’ve invested in technology to make sure that children—whether they’re in Accra, Tamale, or a smaller town—receive the same quality of preparation. Seeing Tamale shine like this is proof that when the playing field is level, brilliance emerges from every part of Ghana.”

Because of how widely spread this year’s semi-finalists are, the stage will be bigger and more flexible than ever. The semifinals will run across three days—November 29, December 12, and December 18—using a blend of in-person and virtual formats to ensure that every child can participate fully. More than 300 semifinalists will compete for a place at the National Finals come February 2026.

Every semi-finalist will also receive goodies from Indomie, the title sponsor, along with tokens from supporting partners—an exciting boost for children who have worked so hard to get here.

The 19th edition of The National Spelling Bee is supported by organisations that share a vision for education and youth empowerment, including Indomie, DSTV, U.S. Embassy Accra, Rufus Green Parks, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Foundation, Fidelity Bank, Coconut Grove Regency Accra, B&FT, and JOY FM. Their support helps make it possible for the Bee to reach diverse communities and open opportunities for students nationwide.