The UBA Foundation has opened applications for its 2026 National Essay Competition, offering senior high school students in Ghana the opportunity to win scholarships of up to US$10,000 towards their tertiary education.
The 11th edition of the competition was launched at Achimota Senior High School, with students invited to demonstrate their writing skills, creativity and critical thinking.
Applications are open to eligible students, who have until November 13, 2026, to submit their entries through the UBA Ghana website.
Henry Nii Dottey, Regional Head of Brand, Marketing and Corporate Communications at UBA West Africa, said the competition was designed to encourage reading, writing and creative expression among young people amid concerns about declining literacy skills.
He said the initiative provides a platform for students to develop their ability to communicate ideas and think critically, skills that are important for their academic and professional development.
Past winner highlights benefits
Stephanie Ewurabena Aidoo, a winner of the 2024 edition, said the competition had benefited her beyond the financial support it provided for her university education.
She said participating in the competition strengthened her confidence and helped her recognise the value of her voice and express her ideas more effectively.
Her experience highlights the potential benefits of the initiative beyond its scholarship awards, particularly in building communication skills and confidence among young people.
11 years of investment in education
Launching the competition, UBA Ghana’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Bernard Gyebi said the initiative reflected more than a decade of investment in the ideas and potential of Ghanaian students.
He said the programme had continued to encourage young people to read widely, think independently and express themselves confidently.
The competition forms part of the UBA Foundation’s broader education and youth development agenda, which seeks to equip young people with communication and critical-thinking skills to contribute to Africa’s development.
The scholarship awards are intended to support winners in pursuing tertiary education while encouraging a stronger reading and writing culture among senior high school students.
