Our Lady of Grace (OLAG) Senior High School has been crowned the champions of the ACE Consult Spoken Word Contest in Ghana’s Ashanti region. The prestigious event, held on May 20th at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) Great Hall, celebrated student creativity and public speaking skills under the theme “When the Whistle Blows, Borders Fade,” which highlighted the upcoming 2026 World Cup.
The ACE Consult Spoken Word Contest, an initiative by education support firm ACE Consult in partnership with the US Embassy in Ghana, aims to foster creativity, eloquence, leadership, and public speaking abilities among secondary school students. This year’s competition focused on the unifying power of the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
OLAG emerged victorious after three intense rounds, amassing 91 points. They outperformed strong contenders including Yaa Asantewaa Girls Senior High School, Oasis Christian Academy, and Bosomtwe Boys STEM SHS to secure the top trophy. The contest, which began in 2024, has quickly established itself as a significant platform for youth development.
Mr. Matthew Asada, Acting Public Affairs Officer at the US Embassy in Ghana, expressed his delight at the students’ engagement and confidence. He noted how each school creatively interpreted the theme, exploring the beauty of football, its role in creating memories, celebrating diversity and culture, and its economic impact and unifying potential. Asada was particularly impressed by the visual representation of participating nations through flags, symbolizing the global reach of the World Cup.
“This year, we’re very excited to see what the students did and how they interpreted the theme. One thing that really struck me was in the array of flags that you had here, thinking about all the countries that were participating in this year’s World Cup,” stated Mr. Asada. He also referenced a former winner who spoke about the newfound confidence gained from participating in the contest, highlighting the broader impact of the event on students’ personal development.
The competition showcased a range of talents, from powerful delivery and performance to acting and even singing. Mr. Asada commended the students’ ability to process and articulate their thoughts on stage, deeming it highly impressive. The US Embassy is actively preparing to welcome the world for the 2026 World Cup, coinciding with America’s 250th anniversary.
US host cities are gearing up to welcome international visitors, offering hospitality and engaging cultural programs. Mr. Asada encouraged prospective travelers to prepare for their trips, manage their travel documents, and plan their itineraries. He also emphasized the importance of returning to Ghana with the knowledge and experiences gained, fostering stronger future ties between the United States and Ghana.
The 2026 World Cup promises to be a monumental event, featuring 48 nations competing in 104 matches across 16 cities. To engage audiences across Ghana, the US Embassy, in collaboration with the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), is organizing watch parties in all 16 regions.
Beyond the accolades and prizes, ACE Consult has significant plans for the finalists. Mrs. Marilyn Owusu, Executive Director of ACE Consult and American Corner Kumasi, revealed that top performers will receive further training and grooming to enhance their public speaking and performance skills. “For those who came to the finals, our plan is to train them further, groom them in other ways, and give them opportunities to be able to stand in different auditoriums, not just here, and be able to perform and to share their thoughts,” she explained.
Furthermore, the finalists will benefit from free SAT classes, an invaluable opportunity for those aspiring to pursue higher education in the United States. They will also be integrated into the Education USA Scholars Program, designed to nurture strong leaders and provide them with unique advantages. “We have a special program called the Education USA Scholars Program that grooms students to also be unique and strong leaders. We will add them to the Education USA Scholars so that they get the advantage of everything,” Mrs. Owusu added.
Keren Freda Asante and Grace Owusu Appiah, the talented representatives from OLAG, expressed their joy and gratitude for the victory, recognizing the opportunities it presents for their school and their personal futures. A total of 36 senior high schools participated in this year’s contest, out of 49 that initially registered, underscoring the event’s growing popularity and impact.
The grand finale was attended by various dignitaries, including Ms. Dana Diamond (Public Diplomacy Associate – US Embassy Ghana), Ms. Hannah Fitter (Regional American Spaces Officer for West and Coastal Africa), Ms. Rita Awuku (American Spaces Director), institutional heads, and representatives from sponsors, all celebrating the achievements of the young poets.
As the ACE Consult Spoken Word Contest concludes its successful run this year, the focus shifts to the broader implications of global events like the World Cup in fostering cultural exchange and understanding. The initiative demonstrates a commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders and communicators, equipping them with skills and opportunities that extend far beyond the stage.
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