The U.S. Embassy in Ghana has renewed its commitment to grow the ACE Consult and U.S. Embassy Spoken Word Competition after a successful launch in Accra.
ACE Consult runs the competition in partnership with the U.S. Embassy to help young people build critical thinking, creativity, confidence, and public speaking skills through spoken word performance.
The event recently held its first Accra finals, marking a major expansion from its original base in Kumasi.
Speaking on Friday, June 5, 2026, Press Attaché and Acting Public Affairs Officer at the U.S. Embassy, Matthew Asada, expressed enthusiasm about the programme’s growth.
“We’re really excited to be here for the finals of the inaugural Spoken Word Competition in Accra. We’ve been doing this for a couple of years in Kumasi, but this is the first year that we’re doing it in Accra,” he said.
He added that the Embassy plans to strengthen its partnership with ACE Consult, which manages the American Space in Kumasi and supports EducationUSA centres in both Accra and Kumasi.
Mr. Asada explained that the 2026 edition draws inspiration from sport and global unity, aligning with the United States’ role as a co-host of the FIFA World Cup that year.
“This year, what better year than 2026, when the United States is co-hosting the World Cup? The theme is all about sports and competition and what happens when the whistle blows, and borders fade,” Mr. Asada said.
He said the Embassy had already seen strong performances from students and praised their creativity and confidence on stage.
“We’re very excited, and I’ve seen some incredible performances from the students. I’m looking forward to the finals today,” he added.
Mr. Asada also pointed out that the programme carries wider diplomatic meaning as Ghana marks 70 years of independence and diplomatic relations with the United States.
“Ghana is celebrating 70 years of independence, and we are celebrating 70 years of relations between the United States and Ghana,” he said.
The U.S. Embassy stated that it will continue working with education and youth partners to expand the competition in both Accra and Kumasi.
It aims to give more young people opportunities to develop leadership, communication, and critical-thinking skills through spoken word art.
