Our Lady of Grace Senior High School, in Mampongten, under the Kwabre East of the Ashanti region, has won the 2026 ACE Consult and U.S. Embassy Spoken Word Competition, beating three other schools in the grand finale at the Great Hall of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
Yaa Asantewaa Girls’ SHS placed second, Oasis Christian Academy took third, and Bosomtwe Boys STEM SHS finished fourth.
The contest, organized by ACE Consult in partnership with the United States Embassy in Ghana, promotes critical thinking, eloquence, and public speaking through spoken word performances.
Speaking to journalists after the event, ACE Consult Executive Director Marilyn Owusu noted that the initiative started in 2024 with 17 schools in the Ashanti Region and has grown significantly.
She further added that, this year, 45 schools registered and 39 competed adding that students, especially repeat participants, showed marked improvement and greater confidence.
The competition expanded to Accra this year, drawing 27 registered schools, with 26 participating. Ms Owusu said she is optimistic it will become a nationwide program.
“As a country, we need to focus on spoken word. When people can stand in public and confidently deliver speeches they’ve written themselves, it makes a huge difference in building confidence,” she said.
She also added that, the consult will monitor the progress of the students.
“For those who came to the finals, our plan is to train them further, groom them in other ways and give them other opportunities to be able to stand in different auditoriums not just here so that they can share their thoughts,” she stated.
Marilyn Owusu also revealed that, the consult has a free SAT classes for the finalists adding that there is another program called Education USA scholars program that groom students to be unique will be given to them as well.
U.S. Embassy Press Attaché Matthew Asada said the Embassy has partnered with ACE Consult on the initiative for three straight years.
He explained that while last year’s edition centered on volunteerism, this year’s theme focused on the FIFA World Cup, as the United States prepares to co-host the tournament with Canada and Mexico.
Mr Asada praised the students for their creativity in interpreting the theme, “When the Whistle Blows, Borders Fade,” which highlighted unity, shared experiences, and football’s unifying power.
“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 welcomed Ghana’s Black Stars participation in the World Cup and encouraged prospective travelers to prepare well and return with experiences that strengthen Ghana–U.S. ties.
He advised that, all travelers should not overstay their visa in the USA. Mr. Asaada disclosed that, they will be a final for final in June this year at the University of Ghana, Legon.
Dignitaries at the grand finale included Dana Diamond, Public Diplomacy Associate at the U.S. Embassy Ghana; Hannah Fitter, REPS – U.S. Embassy Ghana; and Rita Awuku, American Spaces Director.
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