By Edward Acquah, GNA
Accra, Nov. 07, GNA – Former Second Lady, Mrs Samira Bawumia, has honoured 30 young Ghanaian writers for their creative works at the third edition of the Samira Bawumia Literature Prize (SBLP) Awards in Accra.
The awardees, whose works spanned fiction, non-fiction and poetry, received cash prizes, certificates and other honours in recognition of their literary talents and contributions to creative writing.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mrs Bawumia said the initiative, established six years ago, sought to promote reading, nurture young literary talents and preserve Ghanaian stories.
She said the prize complemented the Library in a Box Project, an initiative of the Samira Empowerment and Humanitarian Projects (SEHP), which had distributed more than half a million books to schools without libraries across the country.
Mrs Bawumia said this year’s theme: “Reimagining African Folktales for the Next Generation,” was intended to encourage young writers to reinterpret traditional stories and make them relevant to contemporary audiences.
“Our stories reflect our history, our values, our experiences and understanding of the world. And the question is, if we don’t tell our story, who will?” she said.
Mrs Bawumia said the winning entries would be published in an anthology, providing the writers with an opportunity to reach wider audiences and showcase their talents.
She encouraged young writers to continue developing their craft, noting that their stories could inspire children, challenge stereotypes and help preserve Ghana’s rich cultural heritage.
Madam Gretel Anobel, Assistant Project Officer of the SBLP, said the initiative had grown from 1,629 entries in its maiden edition to more than 3,000 submissions from all 16 regions of Ghana.
She said the prize had shortlisted 90 writers, published 59 authors in two anthologies, All Ghana a Stage and We Move: Ghanaian Dream in Motion, and provided training for more than 500 young writers through workshops and mentorship programmes.
The Samira Bawumia Literature Prize was established by the Samira Empowerment and Humanitarian Projects in 2021 to identify, nurture and celebrate emerging literary talent, particularly among young and aspiring Ghanaian writers.
The initiative brings together writers, readers, educational institutions and development partners to create opportunities for young people to develop their creative abilities and contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s literary landscape.
GNA
Edited by Lydia Kukua Asamoah