At a brief but quintessential event organized by the Royal Commonwealth Society Africa, in collaboration with the Ghana International School, the Duchess of Cornwall challenged the youth to take advantage of the competition to develop critical thinking skills, sharpen their creative potentials and build a lasting career in writing.

The theme for this year’s competition is a “Connected Commonwealth” a topic the Duchess described as fascinating which will engage the minds of the youth across the world.

“Last year, over 12,000 young writers sent in their stories, poems and essays, nearly 1,000 which were from West Africa. So it’s a huge pleasure to see some of those winners here with us today,” she said.

She hoped a record number of students across the 53 Commonwealth nations “will be inspired to put pen to paper and enter the 2019 edition.”

“As a passionate believer in the power of the written word I look forward with huge anticipation to reading the entries and to presenting the awards back in Buckingham Palace,” the Duchess of Cornwall said to over 2000, patrons including winners of the 2018 competition, teachers, students and other dignitaries.

Learning to read

The First Lady, Rebecca Akufo Addo who was one of the dignitaries underscored the need to build a literate society.

“What will life be if you cannot read and write,” she said, adding “life is easier if you can read and write.”

Despite the incredible benefits of reading and writing, the First Lady expressed disappointment that a good number of people cannot read well.

Through the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay competition and her own literacy intervention programmes, including the “learning to read, reading to learn,” Mrs Rebecca Akufo-Addo believes the tide of poor reading and illiteracy will be stemmed.

Trailblazers

As a gallant host of a historic launch, the Principal of GIS Dr Mrs Mary Ashun said she is “thrilled that the 135-year-old initiative that is focused on children and literacy, will now be even more intimately associated with our school.”

“Since its founding in 1955, Ghana International School has had numerous opportunities to be a trailblazer in education and community growth; we have seized them all.

“We take pride in our Akan proverbs, one of which says Obi nnim a, obi kyere, a reminder that the sharing of knowledge is critical to improving society.

Riding on its motto, “understanding of each other,” Dr Ashun said there is no better opportunity bigger than the Queen’s Essay Competition for her students to engage in exercises that will challenge their creative minds.

The head of the Royal Commonwealth Society, Africa, John Apea- organisers of the event- was excited about the success of the historic launch.

Apea said the 2019 edition will become even more inclusive by incorporating the braille technology to enable students with visual impairments to also take part in the competition.

Prior to the launch of the 2019 edition, students from Ghana International School, The Roman Ridge School, Galaxy International etc won awards in the gold, silver and bronze categories.

The Roman Ridge School for the fourth year running picked the most awards in the competition.

Three of the award winners read captivating bits and pieces of their entries which won them the award much to the delight of the guests.

The event was attended by educationists, including Madam Joyce Aryee,  Ghanaian born UK fashionista Edward Enninful, who is also the Editor of British Vogue Magazine, Dr Greg Munro RCS Director General, actor Jackie Appiah, Kidi.

For a relationship built on sweat and blood, sealed by mutual respect and solidarity, nothing was more admirable than the sight of two monarchs-House of Windsor and Golden Stool- share the glow of their Majesties in yet another Royal Visit to Ghana.

For Prince Charles it was his second coming not just to Ghana but to Manhyia; for the Duchess it was her first taste of the rich Ghanaian culture part of which is steeped in beliefs, values and power of the Ashanti kingdom.

The drums were beaten with love and fury, with well dressed women in Kente and bare-chested men gesturing, dancing and communicating at the same time eulogizing the power of the rich Ashanti kingdom.

The royal couple took turns to share pleasantries with the Asantehene who welcomed his guests with splendor and majesty.

War of Poverty

It was not only about culture. It was also about war- illiteracy, disease and poverty.

The Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II courted the support of Britain in the fight against poverty and illiteracy in Ghana.

According to him, the European country cannot “walk away from the challenges of economic development in Ghana.”

He said Ghana is at war with illiteracy, poverty, disease and needs an ally in the UK to win that war.

“…I am sure you have seen the tremendous opportunities for collaboration in the development of the country

“I dare say that Britain can no longer walk away from the challenge of economic development of Ghana. To make sense of our history and the bonds that tie us together you must have the courage to invest in the growth of country even more so now when you have Brexit dangling in front of us,” he said.

“…Behind all the drumming and dancing this nation is at war with our brains. It is a war against poverty, illiteracy and disease. It is a war we must win and we want you and our friends to be on our side through your investment,” he said.

Commonwealth

The Ashanti King described the Commonwealth, whose next head will be the Prince of Wales, as the “finest creation of modern history.”

He touted the credentials of Queen Elizabeth as one with the “moral authority” her “unfailing dignity” and with “motherly wisdom” values which have seen the Commonwealth grow from strength to strength.

“The thought of Commonwealth without her guiding hands feels some with gloom,” he said but was quick to add that in Prince Charles, who takes over from his mother as head of the Commonwealth, is “an assurance of safety and continuity.”

He said with the Prince of Wales the “Commonwealth will emerge stronger.”

The Otumfuo did not fail to underline the great bond between British Monarch and the Golden Stool which he said was established with blood and has since been solidified.

“Akwasidae is our traditional day of joy and contemplation but today we are not only celebrating Akwasidae, but we are also celebrating the march of history and the enduring values of friendship and mutual respect,” he stated.

Prince Charles shared his fondest memories some 40 years ago when he first came to Ghana and Manhyia and paid glowing tributes to the relationship between the two royalties.

“…It was so important to my wife and to myself that we should come to Kumasi to pay our respects to your majesty and to honour the traditions and values of your kingdom which continue to play such an important role in Ghana’s vibrant democracy.

“We are tremendously touched by the warmth of the welcome we have received here today,” he said.

Their four-day visit to Ghana is part of a week-long tour of West Africa to re-affirm ties with Commonwealth countries.

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Prince Charles and his wife are being hosted at the Jubilee House by President Akufo-Addo for discussions.

The British High Commissioner will also host a special reception to celebrate the visit of the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall.

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The celebration will be used to mark Prince Charles’ 70th Birthday, ahead of the official celebrations in the UK on November 14.

He will later travel to Kumasi to meet the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.