Osei Tutu SHS emerged as the winner at the 2025 ACE Spoken Word Competition

In a spectacular celebration of youth creativity and expression, Osei Tutu Senior High School emerged victorious at the 2025 ACE Spoken Word Competition, taking home a cash prize of GH¢7,000 and solidifying its reputation as a cradle for the arts.

The grand finale, held on May 23 at the KNUST Great Hall Auditorium in Kumasi, saw Osei Tutu SHS captivate both judges and audiences with a performance that combined rich imagery, heartfelt emotion, and a passionate belief in the power of words.

The competition, themed “Volunteerism,” highlighted the importance of selfless service and sparked lively discussions on the value of giving back within local communities. Through their compelling verses, Osei Tutu SHS underscored their commitment to nurturing talent and inspiring students to boldly share their voices.

Marilyn Owusu, CEO of ACE Consult and Executive Director of American Corner-Kumasi, praised the event’s significance:

“A lot of people in Ghana do things expecting to be paid, and when they aren’t, they get angry. It is the spirit of volunteerism that transforms a nation.”

The competition featured four finalist schools: Osei Tutu SHS, Kumasi Academy, KNUST SHS, and Yaa Asantewaa Girls' SHS. Kumasi Academy secured first runner-up with GH¢5,000. Each school delivered distinct performances that filled the auditorium with passion and creativity.

Matthew K. Asada, Press Attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Accra, commended the depth and diversity of the event stating, “It’s amazing. I initially thought it might be just one person performing, but then I saw the first part, it was more theatrical… Then came the second part, the Q&A session, followed by the third section, which involved impromptu and improvisation. It was quite impressive.”

The ACE Spoken Word program aims to promote English literacy and boost confidence among students across all fields, serving as a vital platform for young voices to engage meaningfully with societal themes.

With their inspiring victory, Osei Tutu SHS’s spoken word team is poised to continue influencing the literary scene, empowering a new generation of writers and artists. Their triumph stands as a testament to the power of words to inspire change and shape the future.

NAD/MA