Ghanaian writer H. Griot has been announced as the winner of the 2026 New Voices Fiction Contest with his short story, “Outside the Photograph”. The winner was announced at an award ceremony held during the 2026 Pa Gya! Literary Festival in Ghana.
His winning story was among six works selected for the final shortlist from 14 longlisted entries. The other shortlisted writers are:
- Ahobaa-Kwofie Abigail — “A Song Of Thousand Parts”
- Papa Mmireku Ohene — Agyekum “Beneath The Embrace Of A Baobab Tree”
- Ruby Excel — “Fusion”
- Eric Nii Okai Dormon — “I Won’t Stay”
- Pearl Adjavon — “In and Out of Accra”
- H. Griot — “Outside the Photograph” (Winner).
Selected by a four-member jury comprising Boakye D. Alpha, Ama Pomaa, Audrey Shipp, and Ibrahim Babátúndé Ibrahim, Boakye D. Alpha had this to say about the winning poem:
“The story is well written, and I particularly like how the protagonist’s physical journey mirrors the movement and changes happening across the country. It captures the theme in a way that feels natural. There is also a great display of Ghanaianness here — the way it engages with the country’s textures from the eyes of a returnee.”
H. Griot will receive GH₵1,500 in cash and a GH₵1,000 voucher from City Reads Books and Stationery. The prize package also includes publication in an anthology, a featured interview and reading, mentorship with an established writer, participation in workshops, and promotional opportunities. The contest was supported by City Reads, Writers Project of Ghana, NadèLi, HummingBird Journal, GFTD GHNS, AKWAABA.APP, New Comma, JAY Lit: The Journal of African Youth Literature, and Writing Africa.
H. Griot is a Ghanaian writer whose work explores memory, identity, culture and the experiences that shape people’s lives. Drawing inspiration from Ghanaian life, folklore, music and everyday encounters, he blends familiar settings with imagination. His writing spans African fantasy, short fiction, poetry, and reflective personal narratives. He sees storytelling as a way to understand the world and create spaces in which readers can recognise themselves. Outside writing, his interests include reading, cooking, and photography.
Congratulations, H.Griot!
