UBA Foundation opens 2026 essay competition to promote literacy among SHS students

The UBA Foundation has launched the 2026 National Essay Competition in an effort to bolster the writing abilities, creativity, and critical thinking skills of senior high school students throughout Ghana. The competition aims to address concerns about a decline in literacy skills among young people. Regional Head of Brand, Marketing, and Corporate Communications at UBA West Africa, Henry Nii Dottey, highlighted the initiative as part of the foundation's commitment to education and nurturing young people's creative potential.

Dottey noted the decline in literary skills of young people and emphasized the competition's role in improving students' writing abilities, ultimately offering financial assistance towards their tertiary education. Applications for the 2026 edition are open until November 13, and eligible senior high school students nationwide are invited to participate.

Previous winner Stephanie Ewuraabena Aidoo shared that the competition not only provided financial support for her university education but also helped her recognize the value of her voice and boost her confidence in expressing her ideas. She encouraged other students to participate in the competition, stating that a winning essay begins with trying and discouraging them from disqualifying themselves.

The competition has also garnered interest from students who attended a promotional event, with Emmanuella, Girls' Prefect of Achimota Senior High School, expressing her inspiration from the event and urging other students to seize similar opportunities. The UBA Foundation sees the competition as part of its broader commitment to education and youth development, with the goal of encouraging more young people to embrace reading and writing and cultivate the communication skills necessary to contribute to Africa's growth.