Hilda Akosua Konadu Karikari

1st Winner

I am Hilda Akosua Konadu Karikari, a Law student of Presbytery University Ghana. I came about this contest through a friend and the theme stood out to me. This was my first time writing in a Ghanaian setting and it was challenging to say the least. I almost didn't write it because it was outside my comfort zone. Now I am glad I took up the challenge. Fire in my name was inspired by my mum who the main character is named after. Her perseverance and determination in life gave me the tools I needed to develop the character in this story. The rest came from my love of history and the individual experiences faced by the people who lived through that era. I encourage future writers not to shy away from daunting themes but to embrace them. If you attempt it, you might like the challenge and find it easier than expected. I most certainly enjoyed it.

Follow me on Substack via the link: @HildaSubstack

Justice Owusu

2nd Winner

I am Justice Owusu. I'm an eighteen year old (18) Ghanaian with the passion of telling stories that reflect real-life experiences, growth and emotions. My writing is inspired by everyday moments and familiar environments.

I started my Basic Education at Ave Maria Preparatory School where life as a student began. I became the compound overseer of the school due to my dedication for cleanliness. I was very committed and hence was loved by all. After completing, I gained admission to study general science at Breman Asikuma Senior High School abbreviated as BASS. I dedicated most of my time to studies and religion. I later became the Boys' Academic Prefect of the school. Due to my dedication to religious activities in the school, I was appointed as the denominational president for the Non-Methodist Denomination ( A joint denominational session for all students who were neither methodists nor Muslims) of my school. Aside from all these achievements, I had the opportunity to join the National Science and Maths Quiz Team of my school. My achievement inspired many and I became the role model of some pupils before completing the school.

My greatest inspiration was centered on the strong desire I had to create scenes and put them into writing.

An advice I have for upcoming writers is that: never should they limit themselves to imaginations only but rather try. As one of my favourite quotes says; "A task remains practically impossible until it is done". Dear upcoming writers, be eager to do what is seen to be impossible.

Lawrence Kwabena Sabla

3rd Winner

I am Lawrence Kwabena Sabla, an IT professional and storyteller who finds balance between the structured world of technology and the boundless realm of creative writing. I currently serve as an IT manager, a role that allows me to manage the technical heart of one of the country's leading digital media platforms. My passion for reading and writing is what drives my creativity. I believe that being a writer is much like being a web developer; both require patience, attention to detail, and a commitment to building something meaningful from scratch. My story, “The Trusted Drums of Kumasi,” which placed third in the Simple Script Writers Project 2025, is a reflection of my deep love for our cultural heritage. I was inspired to write this story by a desire to explore the rhythmic history of the Asante Kingdom. I wanted to capture how traditional communication: symbolized by the drums, acted as the heartbeat of a nation’s identity and resistance. By blending historical truth with fiction, I aim to make the stories of our ancestors feel alive for a new generation. For future writers, my advice is simple: Never be afraid to put your thoughts into writing, even if it is a draft. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It’s only through your words we can understand the beauty of the mind.