In an era where critical thinking and public speaking are becoming defining skills for global success, ACE Consult, in partnership with the U.S. Embassy in Accra, is leading an expanding revolution in Ghanaian high schools.

Through the power of poetry, spoken word, and international education, the organisation is empowering young minds to find their voices and look toward a limitless future.

In a media interview, Marilyn Owusu, the Executive Director of ACE Consult and an EducationUSA advisor, shared the inspiring trajectory of the ACE Spoken Word Competition, the impact of U.S.-Ghanaian educational partnerships, and her personal journey of returning home to give back.

She spoke on June 5 on the sidelines of the 2026 ACE Spoken Word competition final at Cedi Conference Centre, University of Ghana (UG), Legon, Accra.

The Genesis and Rapid Growth of the ACE Spoken Word Competition

What began as a localized initiative has quickly transformed into a highly anticipated inter-school phenomenon. Birthed out of American Corner Kumasi in 2024, the competition was designed to foster critical thinking, confidence, and public speaking by challenging students to write and perform spoken word poetry on the spot.

The growth of the competition highlights a massive appetite for such platforms among Ghanaian youth:

- 2024: Launched with 17 public senior high schools in Kumasi.

- 2025: Expanded to 31 senior high schools in the Ashanti region after intense demand from private institutions.

- 2026: Reached 46 registered schools in the Ashanti region and expanded to the Greater Accra region for the first time, drawing 27 participating senior high schools.

Owusu revealed plans for the future.

"If we do have sponsorships, it's going to become a national programme," she stated, noting that other regions across Ghana are already requesting the competition after seeing its impact on students.

Bridging the Knowledge Gap: The Current Affairs Challenge

During the competition, a stark contrast emerged: while students eagerly and accurately answered questions regarding U.S. governance, many struggled with Ghanaian current affairs.

Owusu addressed this candidly, noting that the issue extends beyond the competition walls.

"It's a reflection of what's going on in Ghana," Owusu explained.

"Students don't seem to care about current affairs. However, we are pushing them to be interested in current affairs. That's why it's part of the competition. So at least they will learn a lot of things and be able to answer current affairs questions."

Celebrating a Dual Milestone: America’s 250th and World Cup 2026

The theme for the 2026 competition—‘World Cup 2026: When the whistle blows, borders fade’—holds deep cultural and historical significance. It coincides with the 250th anniversary of the United States and America’s co-hosting of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

For ACE Consult, which hosts American Corner Kumasi, EducationUSA Kumasi, and EducationUSA Accra, the theme is a celebration of unity.

"The theme is to draw the minds of people to what the World Cup does, or what football or soccer does to us as nations," Owusu said.

"It brings us all together. It doesn't matter which country you're coming from. We are celebrating America’s 250... and the fact that the World Cup will bring nations together to make us work."

The Transformative Power of U.S. Education

Owusu’s passion for driving student success is rooted in her personal journey. As a product of the U.S. education system, she experienced firsthand the flexibility and entrepreneurial spirit it fosters.

Initially pursuing a degree in Business Administration, she was able to seamlessly pivot to Information Systems during her second year — an academic flexibility she notes is rare in Ghana.

"U.S. education teaches entrepreneurship, and it teaches you to be able to stand for yourself and be able to talk," Owusu shared.

After completing her studies, she chose to return home to Ghana to establish her own business and lead initiatives that connect other Ghanaian youth to similar life-altering opportunities.

"We push students to study in the U.S. and come back home to help," she emphasised.

A Call to Action for Parents and Students

As the 2026 Accra edition concluded, Owusu left parents and students with a strong message of encouragement.

She urged parents to actively support their children in developing communication and public speaking skills, which are central to the mission of the ACE Spoken Word competition.

To the students, her advice was clear: embrace the chance to expand your horizons.

"If you get the opportunity to study in the U.S. — and that's why we are here to help you do it — it's a life-changing experience," Owusu concluded.

"When you come back home, if you are able to work with an institution, fine. However, the U.S. education equips you to start your own business... and you will do well."