The Samira Empowerment and Humanitarian Project (SEHP) has announced the opening of the call for entries for the highly anticipated 3rd edition of the Samira Bawumia Literature Prize (SBLP).

The SBLP is a nationwide biennial literary competition dedicated to identifying, nurturing, and providing a clear pathway for talented young Ghanaian writers to become published.

Background

The Samira Bawumia Literature Prize seeks to promote African literature written by African voices for young African readers, promoting a robust literary culture that builds identity, inspires curiosity, and celebrates our rich culture.

The SBLP has already published two impactful anthologies; "All Ghana a Stage," featuring selected entries from the maiden edition, and the most recent, "We move, Ghanaian Dream in motion," released in November 2024.

Theme and Eligibility

For the 2025 edition, the theme is “Reimagine Africa’s Folktales for the Next Generation”.

The competition is open to Ghanaian citizens between the ages of 15 and 30 years.

Submissions should creatively explore the theme by retelling African myths and folktales, exploring and celebrating traditional symbols, using storytelling to inspire environmental responsibility and climate action, and creating African Heroes and Heroines as role models for Ghanaian children and youth.

Submission Guidelines

The submission portal opens on Thursday, May 15, 2025, and the deadline for submission is June 21, 2025.

Entries must be between 1,000 and 1,500 words, and submissions are accepted in Fiction, Non-fiction, and Poetry.

● Submission Status: Works must not be published at the time of submission.

Dates:

● Submission Portal Opens: Thursday, May 15, 2025.
● Submission Deadline: 21st June, 2025
Submission Portal: Entries can be submitted electronically through the SBLP website: www.sehp.sbawumia.org.

Connect with SBLP: Stay updated and connect with the literary community by following SBLP on social media:
● Twitter: @thesblprize
● Facebook: Samira Bawumia Literature Prize
● Instagram: @sb_literatureprize

For Enquiries: Please direct any questions to sblp@sbawumia.org or call 0533603835.

Prizes

Attractive prizes will be awarded to the top-performing writers.

First place winners will be awarded laptops and cash prizes of GHS 5,000.00.

Second place winners will receive GHS 3,000.00, and third place winners will be awarded GHS 2,000.00.

Writers placing from 4th to 10th in each category will receive GHS 1,000.00.

Additionally, all top thirty (30) shortlisted entries across categories will be published in the anthology.