The 7th Volta Trade and Investment Fair has launched its Tourism and Culture Essay Competition, an initiative aimed at encouraging students to explore and celebrate the rich cultural heritage, tourism potential, and developmental prospects of the Volta Region of Ghana. This competition leverages the power of creative writing to stimulate young minds and foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of their regional identity. Open to all students enrolled in basic, secondary, technical, and vocational schools within the Volta Region, the competition transcends geographical boundaries, welcoming participation from students regardless of their place of origin. This inclusivity aims to broaden perspectives and enrich the discourse on the region’s future.
The essay competition is structured into two categories tailored to different educational levels. Upper primary and junior high school students are challenged to envision themselves as tour guides in the Volta Region, crafting essays between 250 and 300 words. This exercise encourages them to identify and showcase the region’s unique attractions, promoting a sense of ownership and pride in their local heritage. For senior high, technical, and vocational students, the competition raises the bar, asking them to articulate their vision for a better Volta Region in essays ranging from 450 to 500 words. This category encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovative ideas for regional development.
To ensure fairness and transparency, specific submission guidelines have been established. Each essay requires a cover page with essential information including the student’s name, school details, contact information, and a guardian’s contact for verification. Basic school participants need an endorsement from a teacher or parent, reinforcing the collaborative nature of the initiative. Originality is paramount, and plagiarism will lead to disqualification. Handwritten submissions in English are mandated, limiting the scope for external assistance and emphasizing individual effort. Only one entry per student is permitted.
The submission process is designed for accessibility. Students can submit their essays via mail to Box HS 1, SIC Building, Ho, or deliver them in person to the AGI Office or Global FM, both located in Ho. The deadline for submissions is October 20, 2025, and late entries will not be considered. This clear timeline ensures efficient management of the competition and allows ample time for judging and subsequent activities.
A panel of judges will meticulously evaluate the submitted essays based on several key criteria: creativity, originality, clarity of ideas, relevance to the chosen theme, and adherence to proper grammar and expression. These criteria aim to identify the most compelling and well-articulated narratives that effectively capture the essence of the Volta Region’s potential. The top ten essays in each category will proceed to a quiz competition, a dynamic element that adds another layer of engagement and tests the students’ understanding of their written submissions. This quiz will take place during the Volta Fair, scheduled from November 26 to December 8, 2025, creating a platform for these young voices to be recognized and celebrated.
Winners of the competition will receive prizes and certificates, acknowledging their literary achievements and encouraging future pursuits in writing and advocacy. Furthermore, outstanding essays may be featured in Volta Fair materials, providing wider exposure for the students’ work and further promoting the region’s cultural and tourism narrative. The organizers emphasize the finality of the judges’ decisions and clarify that participation implies consent for the use of submitted essays for educational or promotional purposes, with appropriate credit given to the authors.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Volta Fair underscored the multifaceted objectives of the competition. Beyond simply rewarding exceptional writing, the initiative seeks to hone communication skills, a crucial asset in today’s world. It also aims to cultivate a deeper appreciation for the Volta Region’s cultural and tourism treasures among the younger generation, ensuring the continuity of these rich traditions. This dual approach fosters both individual growth and collective responsibility towards preserving and promoting the region’s heritage. Detailed guidelines for the competition are available on the official Volta Fair website, www.voltafair.org, providing a comprehensive resource for interested participants. For any further inquiries, a dedicated contact number, 0244636097, has been provided, ensuring easy access to information and support for schools and students.
