The organizers of the New Voices Poetry Contest have announced the shortlist for the 2025 edition of the competition, narrowing down the longlist of 30 poets to 10 standout voices. The announcement also included one honourable mention.
Launched in May 2025, the contest was created to celebrate Ghana’s emerging poetic talents and provide a platform for young writers to explore themes of identity, ancestry, and contemporary life.
The 2025 shortlist is as follows:
- Benedicta Kyeremaa Addai — Kwame.. Lost But Not Forgotten
- Christopher Armoh — Untitled [Speak To Me In Tongues Of Fire]
- Denoo Edinam Yawo (Poetic Siren) — Afe
- Eastwind-Blessmann Jewell (Jewell King-Speaks) — Ancestors, Answer Me
- Emmanuel Papa Quansah — Homecoming
- Estella Esinam Apenuvor — To Them That Bleach Because Life Is Not Fai
- Henaku-Budu Jedidiah Kwame (Theodore Kotompo) — What’s The Name Of The Sankofa Bird?
- Okaibea-Larbi Pearldrina (Wordsmith) — Weight Of Ancestral Scars
- Osae-Koranteng Derrick (Scott Frost) — A Voice From The Dead
- Richard De-Graft Tawiah (Richydegraft) — The Beautiful Ones Are Still Not Born Yet
Honourable Mention
- Clinton Nana Duah (King’s Tail) — Communion With The Deceased
Congratulations to all shortlisted poets!
Bakare Oluwatobiloba
I write to educate, motivate and define history with literature. Just being me!
