Organisers of the spelling bee competition, Spellathon, say literacy and communication skills are needed to develop the next generation of problem solvers and thinkers for the country.  

The Programmes Manager, Aaron Lawson was speaking at the launch of the 2023 edition of Spellathon Ghana aimed at promoting literacy and academic excellence in Ghana.  

The Spellathon competition was founded in 2016 and has since impacted 2,000 basic school pupils, providing them with essential skills for communication. 

The competition aims at developing the language skills of pupils, building critical thinkers, and enhancing public speaking skills. 

The Programmes Manager noted that the competition creates a platform to unleash the potential and brilliance of the younger generation. 

“We believe that by empowering the next generation of contestants through Spellathon, we are sowing seeds for the future thinkers and problem solvers who’ll shape the nation’s destiny,” he said.  

Students of both public and private basic schools across six regions of the country are expected to participate in this year’s edition of the spelling competition. 

The regions include Greater Accra, Ashanti, Central, Western, Eastern and Bono regions. 

There is already a move to extend participation in the Spelling Bee competition to all16 administrative regions of the country in the coming years.  

Brands and Business Development Lead, Raphael Adekomi says the competition has been impactful in Ghana.

“The participants received learning materials. Indirectly, we have impacted close to 5,000 lives and I confidently can say that in the last four years, the winners have received full tuition for a year,” he said.

Chief of Kutenase and Edwenase, Nana Owusu Kutire Ampem urged organisers to equip participants with life-changing skills, encouraging more participation from the public basic schools. 

“It’s not just about winning the competition. It must be about capacity building and writing experience to impact society. Find means to push the teachers to be involved. They can compel their students to partake. I am hoping to see more district and municipal assembly schools participate,” he said. 

Winner of the 2022 Ashanti regional championship, Micaiah Gyampoh received a full tuition scholarship among other souvenirs.

Micaiah indicated the experience has augmented his communication skills and is hoping to employ them in his future pursuits. 

“I have improved on my public speaking skills. At first, I was a bit shy of standing before a large crowd to speak. I can also harness the skills I have gained here in my quest to become the Senior Boys’ Prefect of my basic school,” he said. 

Other top runners-up from the region were awarded for their spelling prowess. 

The competition is in four rounds, the zonal, super zonal, regional level, and the grand-finale which would see winners and top runners-up from the various regions slug it out on the national stage.