By Seraphine Nyuiemedi
A new chapter was written in the history of the Tanyigbe Traditional Area’s annual festival as it hosted its groundbreaking 2024 Quiz Competition with a renewed focus on Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Mathematics, and Science.
Located in the Ho Municipality of the Volta Region, the Tanyigbe Traditional Area comprises ten communities that united for this innovative contest, showcasing the power of unity, education, and forward-thinking leadership.
The quiz competition was part of a series of activities leading to the grand climax of the Norvisi Development Union’s (NorDU) annual festival, scheduled for 30th November 2024.
This year’s festival, themed “40 Years On: Fostering Youth Development Through Innovation and Technology,” underscores the pivotal role of young people in community development and the transformative power of education and technology.
The competition, traditionally centred on NorDU history, embraced innovation this year, thanks to the vision of the local executive council.
Addressing participants, the Fiaga of the Tanyigbe Traditional Area and chairman of the 2024 NorDU festival, Togbega Kodi Adiko VI, emphasised the importance of embracing change. “Even though change can be difficult, we must embrace it. By expanding the scope of the competition, we are equipping the next generation of NorDU leaders with the tools they need to thrive in a technology-driven world.”
The event’s significance was further underscored by the presence of notable dignitaries, including the Director for Strategy and Innovation at the Ministry of Education, Mr. Aaron Kweku Tsum Akwaboa, who applauded the community’s efforts. “To see ten communities come together in unity and strength to invest in their youth is truly commendable. You are the leaders of tomorrow, and this investment in your knowledge will yield immense returns,” he remarked.
Adding to the commendations, the Deputy Director General of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Mr. Kwabena Bempah Tando, emphasised the collective responsibility for education. He proudly highlighted strides in Ghana’s education sector, noting the historic rise in female participation in national exams: “For the first time, more girls than boys sat for WASSCE this year—a clear testament to our efforts to bridge gender disparities in education.”
The competition featured 30 contestants, with three representatives from each of the ten communities. Following rigorous preliminary rounds, four communities—Hodzo, Avee, Tokokoe, and Tanyigbe—advanced to the finals. The finals were fiercely contested, with Tokokoe emerging as the winner, claiming laptops for their contestants as the top prize. Hodzo secured second place, taking home smartphones, while Tanyigbe came third, earning scientific calculators for their representatives.
A participant from the winning community of Tokokoe shared her excitement about their victory and what it meant to her.
“Today is our first time winning this, and we are very happy. We knew from the beginning that we, the Tokokoe community, would win, and we have won, so we are very, very happy,” she said.
For the first time, trophies were introduced for the top three communities, adding a new layer of prestige to the event. Consolation prizes, including books and branded items, were distributed to all participants, and trainers who prepared the students were duly recognised for their efforts.
The 2024 Quiz Competition has set a new precedent, promising to shape the NorDU festival’s approach to education for years to come. For the Tanyigbe Traditional Area, the future shines bright as the festival climaxes on November 30, celebrating their heritage, achievements, and unwavering commitment to youth development.
The event’s success was made possible with support from Uniwiz Foundation, ARB Apex Bank, Flora Tissues, and Top Choco.
