The Adinkra Projects has opened submissions for the 2026 edition of the Adinkra Poetry Prize, a literary initiative dedicated to exploring African symbols, philosophies, and contemporary creative expression through poetry. The call is open to Ghanaian writers based in Ghana and North America, continuing the project’s mission of building cultural and artistic bridges across the diaspora.
This year’s prize is anchored in the Adinkra symbol Nyame Biribi wɔ soro ma, mensa nka, which translates loosely as “God, there is something in heaven, let it reach me.” The symbol represents reliance on God, faith in answered prayer, and belief in divine intervention in human affairs. Poets are invited to submit one original poem that thoughtfully responds to or engages with this symbol, whether through spiritual reflection, social commentary, personal testimony, or imaginative storytelling.
Organisers note that the competition is not limited to religious poetry in the narrow sense, but rather welcomes broad, layered interpretations of faith, hope, and dependence. Submissions may draw from lived experience, cultural memory, or present-day realities, as long as the work speaks meaningfully to the spirit of the Adinkra symbol. This approach allows poets to explore how spiritual belief intersects with modern life, uncertainty, struggle, and resilience.
Beyond the prestige of the award, the Adinkra Poetry Prize 2026 offers tangible opportunities for creative growth. The selected winner will receive prize money, publication, and an international residency at the renowned Watermill Center. The residency is designed to provide time, space, and cross-disciplinary exchange for artists, offering exposure to global creative networks and new modes of practice.
The prize is organised by The Adinkra Projects, with support from The Watermill Center and Tuniq Africa LBG. Together, these institutions aim to elevate African literary voices, foreground indigenous knowledge systems, and promote meaningful engagement with Adinkra symbols beyond their visual representation.
Submissions are currently open and will close on 30 January 2026. Interested writers can find full guidelines and application details on The Adinkra Projects’ official website at www.theadinkraprojects.org.
