Eleven-year-old Eugene Osei Mensah of Peniel Academy in Kumasi has been crowned champion of the 19th edition of The National Spelling Bee after an intense 11-round contest that ended with the championship word, “breviloquent.”
Calm and precise under pressure, Eugene outspelt 170 finalists from across the country to clinch the prestigious title.
His victory now earns him the honour of representing Ghana at the 101st Scripps National Spelling Bee in the United States this May.
Ghana remains one of only two African countries that compete institutionally at the global competition, alongside Nigeria, making Eugene’s triumph not only a personal milestone but also a moment of national pride.
This year’s grand finale will be remembered for more than just the winning word. In a rare and historic outcome, four finalists tied as first runners-up after exiting at the same competitive level during the championship rounds.
Their shared placement highlighted the fierce competition and depth of talent that defined this year’s event, marking one of the most closely contested editions in the programme’s 19-year history.
The event drew high-profile support from leaders in education and diplomacy.
Obenfo Nana Kwasi Gyetuah, President of GNACOPS, and Kofi Gwita of the US Embassy in Accra addressed the finalists, offering words of encouragement and reaffirming their organisations’ commitment to promoting literacy excellence in Ghana.
Beyond the championship title, the ceremony also celebrated resilience, teamwork and youthful promise through several special awards.
The Darko-Asare Grit and Grace Award, accompanied by a GHC 3,000 prize, was presented to the winning school and coach.
The Honey Bee Award recognised the youngest spellers in the competition, while the Bee Keeper Award went to the school with the highest number of finalists.
The National Spelling Bee continues to serve as Ghana’s only official pathway to the Scripps National Spelling Bee in the United States.
Over nearly two decades, the programme has built a reputation for nurturing literacy, discipline and confidence among young learners across the country.
This year’s edition was sponsored by Indomie and supported by the US Embassy–Accra, DStv, Rufus Green Parks, Coconut Grove Hotels, Joy FM and B&FT.
As Eugene Osei Mensah prepares to take his place on the international stage, his victory stands as a testament to dedication, preparation and the transformative power of words.
The 19th edition of the competition once again proved that excellence is built one word at a time.
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Source: www.myjoyonline.com