By James Amoh Junior, GNA
Accra, April 29, GNA – The National Theatre came alive with cheers, applause and rhythmic snaps of fingers as students from senior high schools across the Greater Accra Region mounted the stage to deliver spoken word performances at the American Spaces Spoken Word Competition in Accra.
The contest, organised by American Spaces in partnership with ACE Consult and supported by the United States Embassy in Ghana, brought together dozens of Senior High School students to demonstrate their creativity, confidence and critical thinking through poetry and performance.
For many of the young participants, the stage was more than a platform for competition; it was a moment to speak boldly about society, identity, leadership and the aspirations of Ghana’s youth.
The competition began in 2023 with 17 schools in Kumasi but has since expanded significantly to include 39 schools in the Ashanti Region and 27 schools in the Greater Accra Region, reaching more than 400 students.
As the performances unfolded, the audience responded enthusiastically to each poetic line, with students delivering messages on resilience, unity and the future of Africa, while reflecting broader global conversations on cooperation and cultural exchange.
Mr Matthew Asada, Press Attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Ghana, said the competition formed part of the Embassy’s broader commitment to empowering young people and promoting creative expression.
He noted that what began as a modest initiative in Kumasi had grown into a dynamic programme engaging hundreds of students across the country.
Mr Asada said the event marked a significant milestone as it was the first time the spoken word competition was being held in Ghana’s capital city.
He explained that spoken word poetry combined creativity and performance, giving young people the opportunity to use their voices to inspire change and influence society.
“Spoken word is where poetry meets performance, where ideas meet action,” he said, urging students to speak with confidence and purpose.
He emphasised that words had historically played a transformative role in shaping societies and that the students gathered in Accra were part of that continuing tradition of expression and dialogue.
Mr Asada also reflected on the broader significance of the event within the context of international cooperation and shared democratic values.
He noted that the United States was preparing to celebrate the 250th anniversary of its Declaration of Independence, an occasion that showcased the enduring importance of freedom of expression, dialogue and civic participation.
“Your words have power; to inspire, to unite, to transform communities across borders,” he told the students as they prepared to compete on stage.
Ms Marilyn Owusu, Executive Director of ACE Consult, said the competition was designed to help students develop confidence and master the art of public speaking.
She commended teachers and patrons who had worked with the students to prepare them for the contest.
“This contest is aimed at building great public speakers among the students. We want to see eloquent and confident speakers at the end of the day,” she said.
The Executive Director urged the students to enjoy the experience and celebrate the creativity displayed by their colleagues, noting that the contest was not only about winning but about growth, learning and inspiration.
Ms Florence Toffa, Director of the American Corner at Agbogba, described American Corners as vibrant spaces that continue to transform the lives of young people across Ghana.
She said the centres provided access to knowledge, skills and opportunities that helped young people prepare for the demands of a rapidly changing global economy.
“American Corners are more than physical spaces; they are platforms of opportunity,” she said.
According to her, students who walk into the centres often discover scholarship opportunities, mentorship programmes and digital resources that open new pathways for education and career development.
She explained that American Corners also run free programmes in areas such as digital skills, media literacy, STEM education, civic engagement and leadership development.
“These spaces are where ideas are exchanged respectfully and where critical thinking is nurtured,” she said, encouraging young people to visit the centres and participate in their programmes.
The year 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the United States’ Declaration of Independence, a milestone reflecting the enduring ideals of freedom of expression and democratic participation.
The United States is also preparing to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico, the largest edition of the tournament with 48 teams, including Ghana’s Black Stars, expected to compete, bringing nations together through the global passion for football.
Organisers expressed optimism that the American Spaces Spoken Word Competition would continue to grow and inspire more young people across Ghana to use the power of words to influence society and contribute to national and global conversations.
GNA
Edited by George-Ramsey Benamba