By Gilbert Azeem Tiroog, GNA
Damolg-Tindongo, (U/E), May 1, GNA – The Napiness Network, a youth-led organisation committed to improving literacy and youth development, has organised the 2026 edition of its flagship Spell World Extravaganza competition in the Nabdam District.
The event, organised in partnership with Naab Sierig Sore Sobil IV, the Chief of Pelungu, and the Nabdam Education Directorate, brought together pupils from all 21 Junior High Schools in the district, alongside teachers, traditional leaders, security officials and other stakeholders in the education sector.
The spelling competition, designed to promote the culture of reading, academic excellence and confidence among pupils, featured 42 contestants drawn from all the Junior High Schools in the district, with each school having two contestants.
It had funding support from Hydroplus Ghana, Morbaan Events, Moriska Enterprise, Kacstone Records and Great Victory Academy, among other individual donors.
Ms Sandra Mbamah Sore, the Founder and Executive Director of the Network, speaking at the event, said the initiative was established in 2023 to address challenges confronting young people, particularly limited access to opportunities and low self-confidence.
She noted that the programme, which started with nine schools, had expanded significantly to cover all Junior High Schools in the district, describing the growth as a testament to community support and collective commitment to education.
“Spell World is not just a competition; it is a platform that makes learning exciting and visible while building the confidence of our young people,” she said.
Ms Sore added that the organisation intended to expand the programme to other districts and eventually establish a regional championship to give more pupils the opportunity to participate, and called for support from philanthropists, donor agencies and willing individuals.
Delivering the keynote address, Reverend Rosemond Anaba, Co-Founder of Eastwood Anaba Ministries (EAM), emphasised the importance of education as a powerful tool for personal transformation and social mobility.
She urged the pupils to remain focused on their education despite challenges, stressing that their background should not limit their future aspirations.
“Education gives you the power to rise above your environment. With the right mindset and discipline, you can achieve your goals regardless of where you come from,” she said.
Mr Francis Sapaat, Head of Supervision at the Nabdam Education Directorate, expressed concern about the low performance of some of the contestants, attributing it to weakening reading habits in schools.
“You can imagine 21 junior high schools, yet only a few could progress to the final stages. It tells us something is wrong somewhere, and we must return to the basics, teaching pupils to read, identify difficult words, spell them and use them in sentences,” he stated.
He called on teachers, parents and stakeholders to work together to improve literacy, stressing that a child who can read effectively is better positioned to succeed in all subjects.
Naab Salima Yidaan-Tobig II, the Chief of Logre community, urged the pupils to embrace education, be determined to realise their potential, and not involve themselves in illegal mining activities and other social vices.
Mr Donatus Akamugri Atanga, the Upper East Regional Minister, in a speech delivered on his behalf, described the competition as a strategic intervention in youth development.
“Competitions of this nature are not merely academic exercises; they are strategic investments in the intellectual development of our young people. They sharpen minds, instil discipline and build the confidence needed to succeed in life,” he stated.
He emphasised that strong language skills remain essential in today’s world, where communication drives innovation and national development, and that students must take the competition as a learning ground to improve themselves.
Master Sylvester Anaba from the Logre Junior High School won this year’s spelling competition.
GNA
Edited by Caesar Abagali /Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Gilbert Azeem Tiroog