Michelle Yaa Asiedu, Steve kwasi Asamoah Duah and Shaima Nuntaa Nasiru, Ghana's three champions

Ghana triumphs with RisingSun Montessori at 2024 UCMAS INC

Delali Sika Education Jan - 10 - 2025 , 17:10 2 minutes read

Ghana has once again demonstrated academic excellence on the global stage, with eight students from RisingSun Montessori Schools Limited making the nation proud at the 2024 UCMAS International Competition (INC) held in India.

Competing against some of the world’s brightest young minds, the students shrugged off stiff competition from over 2000 students from around the globe on Wednesday, December 18 and secured 17 trophies, including three World Champion titles.

UCMAS, the Universal Concept of Mental Arithmetic System, is a globally recognised educational programme designed to enhance cognitive skills through mental arithmetic.

It focuses on developing concentration, memory and problem-solving abilities in young learners.

Basic category

In the Basic Category where students demonstrated their mastery of advanced arithmetic skills by solving complex mathematical problems without the use of calculators or written aids, Steve Kwasi Asamoah-Duah and Shaima Nuntaa Nasiru emerged joint champions, showcasing their remarkable mental agility.

Also, William Kwame Sam Essel was named first runner-up, while Pauline Akoto Asamoah-Duah, Nana Ama Gyedua Afram and Jason Nyameye from the Lashibi branch were honoured as second runners-up.

Additionally, in the Elementary A Category, tailored for younger participants (tested foundational arithmetic skills and the ability to perform calculations mentally with precision), Michelle Yaa Asiedu and Naeema Abass emerged as champion and third runner-up respectively.

Gratitude

Reflecting on her achievement, Shaima Nuntaa Nasiru expressed gratitude.

“This win is a dream come true. It shows that hard work and perseverance truly pay off,” she told the Daily Graphic.

Michelle Yaa Asiedu added, “I’m proud to represent Ghana and my school on such a big stage. This is a moment I’ll cherish forever.”

In an interview with the CEO of RisingSun Montessori schools, Patrick Acheampong, he stated that the success of RisingSun Montessori School at INC 2024 underscored the importance of nurturing young talent and equipping students with the tools needed to thrive in a competitive world.

"As these young champions return home, they serve as an inspiration for their peers and a source of pride for the entire nation," Mr Acheampong noted.