The stage is set for an exciting showdown as the top 10 regional teams in the 2026 Channel One TV and Citi FM Literacy Challenge prepare to battle for national honours at the grand finale of the competition.
Thirty outstanding young contestants, representing the Volta, Central, Northern, Western, Upper East, Bono, Eastern, Upper West, Ashanti and Greater Accra Regions, will converge in Accra for the regional team competition scheduled for Saturday, September 5 and Sunday, September 6, 2026.
The contestants, aged between 11 and 15, earned their places after excelling in the Level II Aptitude Test held on Sunday, August 16, following the earlier essay stage of the competition.
The aptitude test assessed the contestants’ knowledge, comprehension, critical thinking and ability to apply concepts to everyday situations. With the competition now moving from individual performance to teamwork, the young contenders will have to combine knowledge, strategy and collaboration as they face challenging questions under pressure.
Meet the 10 regional teams
The Volta Region will be represented by Mensa Gabriella Mawufemor of Volta Barracks J.H.S, Samuel Danku of Ho Bankoe EP JHS, and Austin Deladem Agortse of Kpetoe EP Junior High School.
The Central Region team comprises Abigail Incoom and Julie-Anne Oforiwaa Danquah, both of Girls Model School, alongside Lawrencia Kwarteng Larbi of Alswel Academy.
Representing the Northern Region are Faheem Wumpini Alhassan of Savannah International Academy, and Abdul-Nasir Shamima Suhuyini and Issah Abah Salsabila of Abe Halperin School Limited.
The Western Region team features Ronalda Nyarko of New Pathways, Joyce Acquah of Onua Francis Ideal School, and Justina Esi Hagan of Bright Kids International School.
For the Upper East Region, Atara Nawal and Davoro Gerald, both of Great Victory Academy, will compete alongside Aloobo Akaare of Adabase Junior High School.
The Bono Region will be represented by Emmanuella Michelle Sieh of Dreamfield International School, Enyimnyam-Boafo Wilson-High Arthur of Sunyani Secondary Model Basic School, and Hilda Opoku Kwarteng of Adventist Preparatory School.
The Eastern Region team comprises Nuako Kwabena Adom Mireku of Suhum Roman Catholic JHS, Nyamedom Appiakubi Appiah-Aboagye of Hallmark Schools, and Stephanie Okyerewa Appawu-Gyamfi of P.C.E Demonstration JHS.
Representing the Upper West Region are Devine Yanbefaare Ambalakuu of Leadership Community School, Gbemmie Abass Sharika of Hilla Liman JHS, and Manuel V.P Eledi of Ancillia Catholic School.
The Ashanti Region team features Laurel Akomaa Obuobi of KNUST Basic School, Akwasi Opoku Gyarteng of KNUST JHS, and Zuberu Latif Babajato of International Community School.
Completing the top 10 is the Greater Accra Region, represented by Neriah Gyamfi of North Ridge Lyceum, Jenelle-Abrielle Ofori of Silicon Valley International School, and Otoo Sarah Augusta Akosua of Achimota Basic School.
From individual brilliance to teamwork
The regional team challenge will test the contestants beyond their individual academic abilities.
They will be required to demonstrate effective communication, collaboration, quick thinking, problem-solving and decision-making skills as they work together to tackle questions and overcome the pressure of competition.
The top-performing teams from the regional contest will advance to the final stage, where they will compete for the top three positions in the 2026 Literacy Challenge.
The winning team will receive a total cash prize of GH¢15,000, with each of its three members taking home GH¢5,000.
Each member of the winning team will also receive a trophy, certificate, gold medal and laptop.
Celebrating individual excellence
While teamwork will be central to the final stages of the competition, the 2026 Literacy Challenge will also recognise outstanding individual performance.
An Overall Outstanding Contestant will be selected from the three members of the winning team.
The individual winner will be determined by the contestant’s cumulative performance in the essay, aptitude test and regional team challenge, rewarding consistency and excellence throughout the competition.
The best-performing contestant will receive an additional GH¢5,000, bringing their total cash prize to GH¢10,000, together with a special plaque.
The overall winner will also receive the trophy, certificate, gold medal and laptop awarded to members of the winning team.
Powered by strong partnerships
The 2026 Literacy Challenge is powered by Channel One TV and Citi FM, with the valued support of Prospectus Ghana Limited, SIC Insurance PLC, Advocate Publishing, Tema Oil Refinery, Deli Group and La Palm Royal Beach Hotel.
The support of these sponsors and partners continues to strengthen the competition’s mission of promoting literacy, critical thinking, creativity, teamwork and academic excellence among young Ghanaians.
The Literacy Challenge has, over the years, provided a platform for young students to develop their confidence, broaden their knowledge and demonstrate their ability to think critically and communicate effectively.
As the 30 contestants prepare to take the stage, the excitement is building and the stakes are higher than ever.
Which region will emerge as the 2026 Literacy Challenge champion?
The answer will unfold in Accra as Ghana’s brightest young literacy enthusiasts compete for glory, recognition and a place in the history of the competition.