Accra Girls Senior High School has emerged victorious in the 2026 ACE Spoken Word Contest, themed around the FIFA World Cup, after delivering a standout performance in the grand finale held at the Cedi Conference Centre of the University of Ghana.
The school beat three other finalists—Christian International High School, Forces Senior High Technical School and O’Reilly SHS—to clinch the coveted trophy and a cash prize of GH¢7,000. Christian International High School finished as first runner-up, while Forces Senior High Technical School and O’Reilly SHS placed second and third runners-up, respectively.
Organised by ACE Consult, a leading study-abroad and career development agency, and sponsored by the U.S. Embassy in Ghana, the annual competition provides a platform for students to showcase their writing, performance and critical-thinking skills.
This year’s contest, held on the theme “World Cup 2026: When the Whistle Blows, Borders Fade,” attracted participation from 27 schools in its inaugural Accra edition, with only four advancing to the final stage.
The finalists impressed judges and spectators with spoken word performances that explored the unifying power of football and the global significance of the FIFA World Cup. Contestants also took part in quizzes focused on current affairs in Ghana, the United States and the World Cup.
The competition aims to nurture confidence, creativity, critical thinking and effective communication among young people.
Addressing participants, Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, praised the initiative and pledged government support for its expansion across all 16 regions of Ghana.
He disclosed that US$250 million from a US$300 million World Bank facility would be channelled into infrastructure development, including the construction of new schools and technical and vocational institutions in selected districts.
“A number of districts will benefit from new schools, while others will receive technical and vocational education institutions. The schools represented in this final will also receive furniture,” he said.
The minister further highlighted the power of sports to unite people across borders and expressed confidence that the 2026 FIFA World Cup would be peaceful and successful.
Congratulating the finalists, he encouraged students to remain focused on their ambitions and seize future opportunities through hard work and determination.
Acting Public Affairs Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Ghana, Matthew K. Asada, reaffirmed the U.S. government’s commitment to ensuring a memorable 2026 FIFA World Cup experience.
He revealed that the Embassy plans to organise local watch parties and has increased visa appointment availability for individuals hoping to travel to the United States for the tournament.
“We are very excited to be hosting some of the world’s biggest events, and this tournament is going to be spectacular,” he said.
Executive Director of ACE Consult, Marilyn Owusu, said the contest has significantly boosted participants’ confidence, eloquence and public-speaking abilities.
She noted that the initiative started in 2024 with 17 public senior high schools in the Ashanti Region and has since expanded, with ambitions of becoming a nationwide programme.
