The maiden Ladé Wosornu Students Poetry Contest, a new initiative celebrating Ghanaian literary icon Professor Ladé Wosornu, culminated in a victory for Accra High School in Accra recently. The event, part of the “Grow the Artist-in-Me!” project by the Creative Arts Agency Ghana, highlighted the importance of Ghanaian poetry and indigenous languages among senior high school students.
Fostering Literary Talent and Cultural Preservation
Organized by the Creative Arts Agency Ghana in collaboration with the Ghana Library Authority and the Pan-African Writers Association, the contest aims to honor the legacy of Professor Ladé Wosornu. It serves as a platform to encourage the appreciation and patronage of Ghanaian poetry.
A core objective of the contest is the preservation and promotion of indigenous Ghanaian languages, a cause strongly advocated by Professor Ladé Wosornu himself. This aligns with the broader “Grow the Artist-in-Me!” project, designed to nurture artistic talent within the student population.
A Competitive Debut
The pilot edition took place at the National Children’s Library at Airport City. Six senior high schools from Accra participated: Accra High School, Accra Girls SHS, Ebenezer SHS, Labone SHS, St Thomas Aquinas SHS, and Wesley Grammar SHS. These schools were selected for their focus on studying Ghanaian languages.
Students presented Professor Ladé Wosornu’s poem, “Raider of the Treasure Trove,” in both English and Ga. They were also required to answer questions about the poem, adding an intellectual dimension to the competition.
The competition was keenly contested, showcasing the dedication and talent of the participating students. Accra High School ultimately emerged as the winner, demonstrating strong performance across all criteria.
Awarding Excellence
Accra High School not only secured the overall first position but also received the Most Creative Group Award. Accra Girls SHS took home the second-place trophy and the award for Best English Presentation.
Wesley Grammar School secured third place and was recognized with the award for Best Ga Presentation. Awura Oforiwaa was individually honored as the Student Spoken Word Artist of the contest.
Expanding the Initiative
The Ladé Wosornu Students Poetry Contest is part of the larger Ladé Wosornu Literary Nest initiative. This program is envisioned to expand to regional levels before culminating in a national final.
The Creative Arts Agency Ghana, through its Acting Executive Secretary Mr Gideon Aryeequaye, has expressed commitment to growing this initiative. The support from the Professor Ladé Wosornu Trust has been instrumental in bringing the contest to fruition.
Broader Support Network
The debut contest received backing from various organizations, including the Ghana Tourism Development Company Official, National Film Authority, Yumvita Ghana, Apple Man Ghana, and Breathing Art Studio. This collaborative effort underscores the significance placed on nurturing young creative talent in Ghana.
Future Outlook
The success of this inaugural event sets a promising precedent for future iterations. The expansion to regional levels is expected to broaden participation and unearth talent from across Ghana. The focus on indigenous languages alongside English ensures a holistic approach to literary development, safeguarding cultural heritage while embracing contemporary artistic expression. Observers will be watching to see how the program scales and its impact on the broader Ghanaian literary and artistic landscape.
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