Ghana’s flag has once again been lifted high at the 2023 International UCMAS Competition in Malaysia.

The nation's brilliant young minds showcased their exceptional abilities in mental arithmetic and abacus skills, leaving a lasting mark on the global stage.

The Ghanaian contingent displayed remarkable speed and accuracy in solving complex mathematical problems using the ancient art of the abacus.

At the awards ceremony, the Ghanaian supporters erupted in cheers as the four students secured not one but four awards, proving that excellence knows no boundaries.

Maame Korang Ansah-Obuobi (Rising Sun Montessori School Limited) beat off stiff opposition and emerged as the champion of the UCMAS Category B (Elementary) contest.

Also, Shaurya Gurbani (Al-Rayan International School) and Thomas Cudjoe Mensah Ababio (Hans Future Leaders Integrated School) also won first and second place in Category B (Elementary level), respectively.

Obrempong Kojo Mireku (Hallmark International School, Haatso) completed Ghana’s award log as the second runner-up for Category A (Basic Level).

They competed among over 2,500 students across the world at the 30^th edition of the UCMAS competition.

The UCMAS arena buzzed with anticipation as participants from around the world gathered to celebrate the academic brilliance of the young ones.

The journey of the awardees to success was marked by dedication, rigorous training, and a passion for mental acuity.

Even on their two-day treacherous flight to Malaysia, they kept practicing and perfecting the act in order to represent their nation with pride and to the best of their abilities.

Their hard work has paid off, with their names etched in history for winning laurels for their country on the international stage.

The winners spoke exclusively to Joy Prime’s Emmanuel Dzivenu after the awards in Malaysia.

Maame Korang Ansah-Obuobi, Category B Champion, 2023 UCMAS International Competition

This trophy means a lot to me, and I would like to thank my teachers and my parents. The preparations for this competition have been stressful and exhausting, but thank God I got this trophy for my school, my family, and my country, Ghana. We were even practicing on the plane during our flight to Malaysia.

Shaurya Gurbani, Category B 1^st Runner Up, 2023 UCMAS International Competition

I’m very excited about this trophy because there were 2,500 people competing in this competition. I was very excited when I won this trophy. This trophy means a lot to me because it will make everyone proud—the teachers and the parents. I would like to give a shout-out to all the teachers that helped me train for this competition.

Thomas Cudjoe Mensah Ababio, Category B 2^nd Runner Up, 2023 UCMAS International Competition

I won the second runner-up trophy, and I want to give thanks to my parents, teachers, and peers.

Obrempong Kojo Mireku, Category A 2^nd Runner Up, 2023 UCMAS International Competition

It has been a nerve-wracking preparation for this competition, but we thank God for crowning our efforts with this trophy. I will like to thank everybody who helped me achieve this success, particularly my family, teachers, friends, and the organisers. God bless them.

Meanwhile, 26 other contingents also received awards for their participation in the 2023 UCMAS International Championships.

Ghana’s Ambassador to Malaysia, Florence Buerki Akonor, graced the awards ceremony and met her compatriots. She has also invited the team to her residence in order to celebrate their achievements on Tuesday, December 5, 2023.

The Technical Director for West Africa at UCMAS, Kirti Gurbani, congratulated the award winners for their dedication and hard work in achieving these laurels for Ghana.

She indicated that the UCMAS Ghana team will not rest on its laurels, as they will start their preparations in earnest for next year’s international competition, which will be held in India.

“Today, I stand here very proud because we have gotten one champion trophy, one first placing, and a few more trophies for Ghana. We are proud to take these trophies home to celebrate with our children. Winning these trophies means a lot to UCMAS, to mother Ghana, and to our children who have put a lot of effort into this competition.

“It is a reward for all their dedication and hard work they have put into this competition. It’s telling us that we are doing something well, and we’re getting international recognition among the 35 countries taking part in this competition,” she said.

She has subsequently urged parents to enrol their children in the UCMAS programme for their brain development.

Madam Kirti Gurbani received a plaque in recognition of her effort in promoting UCMAS in Ghana and the West Africa subregion.

Also, the Director for Business Development for Maurya Education Limited, Roger Ohemeng, received a plague for pushing the frontiers of UCMAS in Ghana.