The Anyako Youth Association (AYA) has launched a comprehensive set of educational initiatives aimed at reversing the worrying decline in academic performance in the Anyako Circuit of the Volta Region. In what it describes as a renewed push for excellence, the Association is focusing on activities that not only reward top performers but also inspire pupils and educators to aim higher.

One of the standout activities in this year's programme is the Inter-Basic Schools Quiz Competition, which brought together the three main basic schools in the area - E.P. Basic School, A.A. Fia Basic School and R.C. Basic School - for a test of knowledge and teamwork.

In the 2025 edition, R.C. Basic School emerged winners, followed by E.P. Basic School and A.A. Fia Basic School in second and third positions respectively. Organisers say the competition, which is now an annual event, fosters academic discipline, promotes critical thinking, and ignites enthusiasm for learning among pupils. The quiz was sponsored by the Madam Jewel Akusika Sedziafa Foundation.

In addition to the quiz, AYA introduced special awards for the overall best male and female students in the 2024 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). Master Destiny Afetormashie of E.P. Basic School was honoured as the Best Male BECE Student, while Perfect Dzakah-Zah of A.A. Fia Basic School received the Best Female BECE Student Award. Both awardees were presented with branded school bags, textbooks, exercise books, pens, T-shirts, and cash prizes to support their educational journey. These awards were made possible through the support of Mr. Mathew Godoga, a proud native of Anyako and strong advocate for educational development in the community.

To encourage consistent academic effort from the early years, AYA also recognised best-performing students from Basic 1 through JHS 3 across all three schools. According to the Association, this initiative is intended to instill a culture of excellence from the ground up, reinforcing the value of steady academic progress at every stage of basic education.

The recent interventions by the Anyako Youth Association are seen as a bold and strategic response to the persistent challenges facing education in the area. By mobilising community support and attracting sponsorships from individuals committed to progress, AYA has demonstrated that lasting change in education can be driven locally. Beyond awards and competitions, the initiatives have also helped to build stronger collaboration among teachers, parents, and local leaders - who all play a role in shaping the academic future of the community’s children.

Looking ahead, the Association plans to introduce a Teacher Award Scheme aimed at recognising and retaining dedicated educators within the circuit.

AYA believes that no educational transformation can happen without motivated teachers and is urging all natives, development partners, and well-wishers to contribute to its ongoing efforts. For the people of Anyako, these initiatives are more than just events - they are part of a collective journey to build an enlightened, well-educated generation that can lead the community to a better future.