NEO Report Celebrates Winners Of Ghana Through Our Eyes Maiden Competition

Young Ghanaian writers have been encouraged to embrace original creative writing and tell stories that celebrate the country’s people, culture and potential.

The call was made at a ceremony to celebrate winners of the maiden edition of the Ghana Through Our Eyes writing competition, an initiative by NEO REPORT and Mrs. Sini Kunnas, a contractual co-owner of the platform.

The competition seeks to promote reading and writing among young people while encouraging them to identify, appreciate and project the beauty and possibilities of Ghana through their own stories.

Speaking at the ceremony, the owner of NEO REPORT, Mr. Samuel N.E. Obeng, expressed appreciation to all participants, describing the initiative as a step in the right direction.

He said the competition had challenged young creatives to think independently, put their ideas into writing and allow their works to be assessed alongside those of others.

Mr. Obeng noted that the quality of entries received showed that Ghana had talented young people with bright futures. He encouraged participants to prepare for the 2027 edition, which may provide more opportunities for video, audio and photography submissions.

For her part, Mrs. Sini Kunnas thanked all participants, particularly the winners, and urged them to look forward to the second edition in 2027.

She encouraged young people not to see creative writing as a difficult task, stressing that telling stories about their culture and experiences helps preserve what makes them unique.

Mrs. Kunnas added that digital communication and the internet had created more opportunities for people to express themselves and share their cultures with wider audiences. She also commended the NEO REPORT team for its dedication, hard work and commitment to its values.

A member of the judging panel, Lady Consuella Kabutey-Ongor, explained that entries were assessed based on three key criteria: originality, creativity and flow.

She said marks were deducted from articles that relied solely on artificial intelligence, urging future applicants to use their own ideas and intelligence while treating AI as a supporting tool for editing and improving their work.

At the end of the competition, Bridget Koka placed third with her article, “My Cape Coast Journey 2021–2026.”

Blessing Acheampong took second place with “Highlife: The Ghanaian Sound in the Silence,” while Hamdeyatu Seidu emerged as the overall winner with her article, “I Had Mistaken a Society for a Market Place.”

The winners will receive 40 euros, 60 euros and 100 euros for third, second and first place respectively.

NEO REPORT has also announced that participants will have the opportunity to get their articles published on its website, neoreportgh.com, giving their work exposure to an international audience. All participants will also receive certificates of participation.

The maiden edition of Ghana Through Our Eyes has highlighted the importance of giving young people opportunities to express themselves, preserve their cultural identity and share their understanding of Ghana with the world.

As preparations are anticipated for the 2027 edition, the organisers are encouraging more young creatives to take part and use their talents to tell authentic Ghanaian stories.

Congratulations to all participants and winners of the maiden edition of Ghana Through Our Eyes.

neoreportgh.com