A total of 22 Basic schools representing 22 municipalities and districts will converge at Koforidua to battle for the ultimate prize at the Eastern Regional reading festival slated for June 14 at the regional library conference hall.

The festival would be in the form of a spelling competition, where competing municipalities and districts will be drilled in spelling, grammar and reading.

The festival is under the theme, ‘’ Reading for progress’’ and it forms part of the year of reading activities, which was declared by the Ghana Library Authority this year , to whip the interest of reading in school children.

The participants in the festival include, New Juaben North and South Municipalities, Okere, Akuapim North and South, Kwahu East, West and South Districts.

Others are Birim Central Municipality, Birim South and North Districts, Kwaebibirem, Yilokrobo, Lower Manya Krobo, Upper Manya Krobo, Fanteakwa, Atiwa, East Akim, Asuogyaman, Ayensuano, Suhum and Nsawam Adoagyiri Districts and Municipalities.

The participating Municipalities and Districts would be grouped into four of which the winners emerging from the four contesting groups will automatically qualify to the finals of the competition.

Deserving municipalities and districts as well as excelling individuals will be awarded with cash prizes, books and souvenirs from the sponsors.

All participants will get free membership to the library to help improve their access and reading habits.

There would also be an exhibition at the grounds to showcase some new books received by the Eastern Regional Library Authority.