More than 120 private basic schools with about 2,500 pupils from across the country have participated in the 20th UCMAS National Competition at the Pentecost Convention Centre at Fetteh Kakraba.

The competition brought together pupils to test their mental arithmetic skills, concentration, speed and accuracy, with the ultimate aim of identifying learners demonstrating exceptional brain power and computational ability.

The Chairman of Parliament’s Education Select Committee and Guest of Honour, Peter Nortsu-Kotoe, has called for the introduction of mental arithmetic programmes in public schools, saying such initiatives could significantly improve children’s concentration, mental alertness and learning abilities.

Speaking after observing a demonstration by some of the participating children, Nortsu-Kotoe said he was impressed by their ability to remain focused and perform complex calculations despite distractions around them.

According to him, the demonstration had convinced him that mental arithmetic training could contribute significantly to children’s overall development and that its benefits extended beyond mathematics.

Nortsu-Kotoe said he intends to engage the Minister of Education on the programme and encourage the Ministry to collaborate with the organisers to introduce it on a pilot basis in selected public schools.

He said pupils in public schools could perform at the same level as their counterparts in private schools if they were provided with equal opportunities and the right learning environment.

The Education Select Committee Chairman also urged parents who have not yet enrolled their children in similar programmes to reconsider, noting that the concentration and mental alertness developed through such training could benefit children in other areas, including science and other academic disciplines.

The Director of Maurya Group, Girish Gurbani, said the organisation is ready to collaborate with the Ministry of Education to expand the UCMAS mental arithmetic and brain development programme to more schools across the country.

He expressed optimism that discussions with the Education Ministry would create an opportunity for the programme to reach more pupils nationwide.

Speaking on the 15th National Competition, Gurbani noted that participation has continued to grow, with schools from various parts of the country, including Bolgatanga, taking part.

He said UCMAS has also introduced more recreational activities this year to complement the academic training and make the competition more enjoyable for children.

Among the new activities are a National League and a hoodie night, where participating children can relax, interact and have fun while wearing their hoodies.

Gurbani said the event, which previously involved a one-night sleepover, has now been extended to three nights.

The extended programme, he explained, gives the children more time to compete, interact with one another and participate in various recreational activities alongside the academic sessions.

He said the initiative is part of efforts by UCMAS to combine brain development with an enjoyable learning experience for children.