Creative Arts Agency to Pilot Ladé Wosornu JHS Poetry Contest at Akra Reads! 2026

The Creative Arts Agency has announced the launch of a Junior High School (JHS) edition of the Ladé Wosornu Students Poetry Contest, scheduled to debut during the 2026 Akra Reads! program. Set for October 7, 2026, at the Korle Gonno Community Library, the initiative marks a significant expansion of the contest following its successful implementation at the Senior High School level. Organized by the Ghana Reads Initiative in collaboration with various partners, the event aims to celebrate diverse literature and foster a sustainable reading culture among the youth in Accra.

Designed as a multi-phased competition, the contest requires participants to demonstrate both linguistic versatility and analytical skills. The structure includes three distinct segments: a poetic performance in English, a recitation in a Ghanaian language, and a comprehensive Q&A session. This format is intentionally crafted to promote the use of indigenous languages alongside English, encouraging students to connect with their heritage while refining their creative arts and public speaking abilities.

The JHS pilot is a key component of the broader Ladé Wosornu Literary Nest project, an initiative dedicated to nurturing future literary talent and supporting the Ghanaian book industry. By providing a platform for younger students to showcase their work, organizers hope to strengthen the foundation of the country's creative capacity. The project emphasizes the importance of literature as a tool for national development and cultural preservation, aiming to bridge the gap between early education and professional creative careers.

As the 2026 Akra Reads! program approaches, the Creative Arts Agency and its partners continue to advocate for increased engagement with Ghanaian literature. The Korle Gonno Community Library will serve as the primary hub for these activities, highlighting the role of community spaces in educational development. Interested parties and schools seeking further information or registration details for the upcoming competition have been encouraged to contact the organizers directly through their established communication channels.