The Samira Empowerment and Humanitarian Project (SEHP) has officially launched the 2025 edition of the Samira Bawumia Literature Prize (SBLP), calling on young Ghanaian writers to submit their creative works for the prestigious biennial competition.
Now in its third edition, the SBLP aims to discover, nurture, and publish the next generation of literary talent in Ghana, providing a platform for aspiring writers to share their stories with the world. This year’s competition, themed “Reimagine Africa’s Folktales for the Next Generation,” seeks submissions that breathe new life into traditional myths, celebrate cultural symbols, and create modern African heroes and heroines for young readers.
The competition is open to Ghanaian citizens aged 15 to 30, with entries accepted in the categories of fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. Writers are encouraged to creatively explore the theme through:
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Retelling African myths and folktales.
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Celebrating traditional symbols and cultural heritage.
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Using storytelling to promote environmental responsibility and climate action.
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Creating inspiring role models for Ghanaian children and youth.
Entries must be between 1,000 and 1,500 words for prose, while poetry submissions may include up to three poems as a single entry. All submissions must be unpublished at the time of entry, and the deadline for submissions is June 21, 2025.
Generous Prizes for Top Writers
Winners of the 2025 SBLP will receive a range of attractive prizes. The first-place winners in each category will take home a laptop and a cash prize of GHS 5,000. Second and third place winners will receive GHS 3,000 and GHS 2,000, respectively, while those placing from 4th to 10th will receive GHS 1,000 each. Additionally, the top 30 shortlisted entries will be published in the next SBLP anthology, offering invaluable exposure to the winners.
Previous editions of the SBLP have resulted in the publication of two successful anthologies: “All Ghana a Stage” and “We Move, Ghanaian Dream in Motion,” which have showcased the voices of emerging Ghanaian writers to national and international audiences.
How to Enter
The submission portal opens on Thursday, May 15, 2025, and entries can be submitted online via the SBLP website: www.sehp.sbawumia.org. Writers can also stay updated on the latest news and announcements by following the SBLP on social media:
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Twitter: @thesblprize
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Facebook: Samira Bawumia Literature Prize
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Instagram: @sb_literatureprize
For further information, prospective entrants can reach out via email at [email protected] or call 0533603835.
About the Samira Bawumia Literature Prize (SBLP)
Founded in 2020 by the Samira Empowerment and Humanitarian Project, the SBLP is a flagship literary competition dedicated to supporting and promoting young Ghanaian writers. The initiative is part of SEHP’s broader mission to empower communities through education, health, and economic support under the leadership of the Former Second Lady, Her Excellency Samira Bawumia.
Aspiring writers are encouraged to seize this opportunity to see their work in print and contribute to the vibrant landscape of contemporary African literature.
