The Creative Arts Agency has announced plans to expand the Ladé Wosornu Students Poetry Contest to Junior High Schools. This move is part of the agency's efforts to create a literary incubator programme for students. The contest, which seeks to inspire and discover budding poets, spoken word artists, and literary critics, will be piloted at the 2026 Akra Reads! programme. The event aims to promote literature, leisure reading culture, and the Ghanaian book industry.
The Ladé Wosornu Students Poetry Contest is a phase of the Creative Arts Agency's broader students' literary project, Ladé Wosornu Literary Nest. This project aims to discover and build a new generation of Ghanaian literary personalities. The contest consists of three phases: performance of a poem in English, performance of the same poem in a Ghanaian language, and a question-and-answer segment. This initiative is part of the Black Star Experience programme, which seeks to develop the capacity of creatives and provide a platform for them to showcase their work.
The 2026 Akra Reads! programme is scheduled to take place on October 7, 2026, at the Korle Gonno Community Library in Accra. The event is organised by the Ghana Reads Initiative, the Creative Arts Agency of Ghana, Osu Children's Library Fund, and other partners. The programme aims to promote literature and leisure reading culture in Ghana. It also seeks to support the development of the Ghanaian book industry.
The expansion of the Ladé Wosornu Students Poetry Contest to Junior High Schools is a significant development in Ghana's literary scene. The contest has previously been piloted at the Senior High School level. By expanding to Junior High Schools, the Creative Arts Agency hopes to identify and nurture young literary talent from an early age. This move is expected to contribute to the growth of Ghana's literary industry.
The Akra Reads! programme has become an annual event in Ghana's literary calendar. It brings together book lovers, writers, and literary enthusiasts to promote reading and literature. The event features a range of activities, including book exhibitions, readings, and discussions. It provides a platform for authors, publishers, and readers to engage with each other and celebrate Ghana's literary heritage.
The Creative Arts Agency's efforts to promote literature and reading in Ghana have been widely welcomed. The agency's initiatives have helped to create a vibrant literary scene in the country. The expansion of the Ladé Wosornu Students Poetry Contest to Junior High Schools is expected to have a positive impact on Ghana's literary industry. It will provide young people with a platform to express themselves and develop their creative skills.
Interested parties can obtain more information about the Akra Reads! programme by contacting +233 244 174 908 or 020 207 8782. The event is expected to be a significant literary gathering in Ghana. It will showcase the country's rich literary talent and promote a culture of reading and literature.
Key points
- The Creative Arts Agency to pilot Junior High School edition of Ladé Wosornu Students Poetry Contest at 2026 Akra Reads! programme.
- The contest aims to inspire and discover budding poets, spoken word artists, and literary critics in Ghana.
- The 2026 Akra Reads! programme is scheduled to take place on October 7, 2026, at the Korle Gonno Community Library in Accra.
