The New Voices Fiction Contest has opened submissions for its 2026 edition, calling on emerging writers to explore the theme “A Country in Motion” through original fiction rooted in Ghanaian life.
In announcing this year’s theme, the organisers describe Ghana as “never still,” pointing to the country’s people, politics, histories, cultures, languages and everyday realities as sources of stories waiting to be told. Writers are encouraged to interpret the theme as broadly or intimately as they wish, with stories that may be personal, political, romantic, joyful, tragic or critical, while remaining grounded in authentic Ghanaian experiences.
The contest also emphasizes what it calls “Ghanaianness,” encouraging submissions that reflect Ghana through setting, character, language, worldview, culture, lived realities or narrative style. Entries may be written in English or entirely in a Ghanaian language, provided an English translation accompanies the submission. The competition draws inspiration from generations of Ghanaian literary voices, including Ayi Kwei Armah, Ama Ata Aidoo, Efua T. Sutherland and Kofi Awoonor.
The competition is open to Ghanaian citizens, people of Ghanaian heritage, and writers with a genuine, long-term connection to Ghana who are at least 16 years old and have not previously published a full-length novel, a novella, or a single-author short story collection.
Submission Guidelines
Applicants must:
- Be Ghanaian by nationality or of Ghanaian heritage.
- Be at least 16 years of age at the time of submission.
- Be an emerging writer. Applicants must not have previously published a full-length novel, novella, or single-author short story collection, whether through traditional publishing or self-publishing. Publication in a multi-author anthology, magazine, journal, newspaper, or literary website does not count as publishing a full-length work and does not affect your eligibility.
- Submit original work that is entirely their own and created solely by the entrant.
- Submit only one entry per person.
- Submit work that has not been previously published in print or online, self-published, or shortlisted for another competition. Simultaneous submissions are permitted; however, if your work is accepted elsewhere during the judging period, you must notify the organisers immediately.
Employees, judges, readers, and individuals directly involved in administering the competition, together with their immediate family members, are not eligible to enter. The organisers reserve the right to verify an entrant’s eligibility and request supporting documentation, including proof of age or eligibility, at any stage of the competition.
Stories must:
- Be original works of fiction. We do not accept previously published work. This includes blogs, self-published platforms, or any publication that retains public access
- Be between 2,000 and 5,000 words.
- Be written in English or in a Ghanaian language accompanied by an English translation.
- Be submitted as a Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx) document.
- Use a readable 12-point font (such as Times New Roman or Arial) with double spacing.
- Include page numbers.
- Contain no identifying information within the manuscript to ensure anonymous judging.
Submissions opened on 15 July 2026 and close on 24 August 2026. The longlist will be announced on 30 September, with the shortlist following on 10 October.
The winner receives a GHS 1,500 cash prize, a GHS 1,000 City Reads book voucher, a featured interview and reading, anthology publication, mentorship, workshops, and a certificate. Second and third-place finishers, along with shortlisted and longlisted writers, also receive publication and development opportunities.
To submit your entry, kindly click here. Best of luck to all applicants!
