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

The UBA Foundation has launched applications for its 2026 National Essay Competition, aimed at enhancing the writing skills, creativity, and critical thinking of senior high school students throughout Ghana. Driven by concerns over declining literacy skills among young people, the competition provides students with an opportunity to hone their writing abilities, showcase their ideas, and secure financial aid for their tertiary education.

Henry Nii Dottey, the Regional Head of Brand, Marketing, and Corporate Communications at UBA West Africa, explained that the initiative represents the foundation's commitment to supporting education and nurturing young people's creative potential. Dottey noted the foundation's observations of a concerning decline in literary skills among Ghanaian youth and the intention to promote improvement through the competition.

He emphasized the competition's open eligibility to all eligible senior high school students across Ghana, with applications closing on November 13. Dottey encouraged students to apply through the UBA Ghana website, highlighting the chance to improve writing skills while obtaining financial support for further studies. Stephanie Ewuraabena Aidoo, a winner from the 2024 edition, shared the additional benefits of the competition, including the development of self-confidence in expressing her ideas.

She urged other students to participate, emphasizing that a winning essay begins with the act of trying and discouraging disqualification based on self-doubt. The UBA Foundation's competition is part of its broader dedication to education and youth development, aiming to inspire a greater number of young people to engage in reading, writing, and communication skills crucial for Africa's progress.