Our Lady of Grace (OLAG) Senior High School has been crowned the winner of the 2026 ACE Consult Spoken Word Contest. OLAG secured 91 points after three competitive rounds. The school triumphed over notable institutions like Yaa Asantewaa Girls Senior High School. Oasis Christian Academy and Bosomtwe Boys STEM SHS also participated in the finals. The grand finale took place on May 20th. It was held at the Great Hall of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
This contest aims to cultivate creativity and improve public speaking. It targets secondary school students across Ghana. This year's theme was "When the Whistle Blows, Borders Fade." The theme celebrated the upcoming 2026 World Cup. The tournament will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The competition encourages students to explore themes of unity and diversity through spoken word.
The ACE Consult Spoken Word Contest began in 2024. It is a collaboration with the US Embassy in Ghana. This initiative is part of broader efforts to enhance educational opportunities. Ag. Public Affairs Officer at the US Embassy, Mr. Matthew Asada, praised the students' efforts. He noted how the competition boosts students' confidence. He also highlighted their interpretations of the theme. Mr. Asada was particularly impressed by the visual representation of participating countries. He mentioned the diverse performances and the critical thinking displayed by the students. The US Embassy sees value in such programs for youth development. They also highlight America’s preparations for the 2026 World Cup.
The contest rewards participants beyond just the trophy. ACE Consult plans further development for finalists. Executive Director of ACE Consult, Mrs. Marilyn Owusu, detailed these plans. Finalists will receive advanced training. This training aims to equip them for various performance stages. They will also participate in the Education USA Scholars Program. This program nurtures future leaders. Free SAT classes are also offered to finalists. These classes help prepare students for higher education opportunities. The US Embassy is organizing watch parties across Ghana's regions. This is in partnership with the Ghana Tourism Authority.
The 2026 World Cup will feature 48 nations. A total of 104 matches will be played. These matches will take place in 16 host cities. The contest’s success reflects a growing interest in skill development. It underscores the importance of arts and culture in education. OLAG students Keren Freda Asante and Grace Owusu Appiah expressed their excitement. They spoke about the victory and future opportunities. A total of 36 out of 49 registered senior high schools participated this year. The event was attended by various dignitaries. These included officials from the US Embassy and ACE Consult. The contest demonstrates a commitment to fostering young talent. It also supports Ghana's engagement with international events.