By Florence Afriyie Mensah
Kumasi, May 22, GNA — Our Lady of Grace Senior High School, located at Mamponteng in the Ashanti Region, has emerged winner of the 2026 ACE Consult and U.S. Embassy Spoken Word Competition after defeating three other schools in the grand finale.
Yaa Asantewaa Girls’ Senior High School placed second, while Oasis Christian Academy secured third place. Bosomtwe Boys STEM Senior High School finished fourth.
The competition, organised by ACE Consult in partnership with the United States Embassy in Ghana, aimed at promoting critical thinking, eloquence, and public speaking skills among students through spoken word performances.
Ms Marilyn Owusu, Executive Director of ACE Consult, said the initiative began in 2024 with 17 schools in the Ashanti Region and had since experienced significant growth.
According to her, 45 schools registered for this year’s competition, with 39 eventually participating. She noted that students, especially those participating for the second time, demonstrated remarkable improvement and greater confidence.
Ms Owusu said the competition was expanded to Accra this year, where 27 schools registered and 26 participated. She expressed optimism that the initiative would eventually grow into a nationwide programme.
“As a country, we need to focus on spoken word because when people can stand in public and confidently deliver speeches written by themselves, it makes a huge difference in building confidence,” she emphasised.
Mr Matthew Asada, Press Attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Ghana, stated that the embassy had collaborated with ACE Consult for the third consecutive year on the spoken word initiative.
He explained that while last year’s edition focused on volunteerism, this year’s competition was themed around the FIFA World Cup as the United States prepares to co-host the tournament alongside Canada and Mexico.
Mr Asada commended the students for their creativity and interpretation of the theme, “When the Whistle Blows, Borders Fade,” which highlighted unity, shared experiences, and the unifying power of football.
“We are excited about how the students interpreted the theme and celebrated what binds us together through the world’s greatest game,” he said.
He also expressed excitement about Ghana’s Black Stars participation in the World Cup and encouraged prospective travellers to prepare adequately for the tournament and return home with experiences that would strengthen ties between Ghana and the United States.
Officials who graced the grand finale included Ms Dana Diamond, Public Diplomacy Associate at the U.S. Embassy Ghana, Ms Hannah Fitter, REPS – U.S. Embassy Ghana, and Ms Rita Awuku, American Spaces Director.
GNA
Edited by Yussif Ibrahim/Audrey Dekalu
Reporter: Florence Afriyie MensahÂ
[email protected]Â