Writers are invited to submit one poem that responds to or engages with the Aya Adinkra symbol: [AYA] Symbol of endurance and resourcefulness. The fern, a plant that thrives in diverse habitats and is abundant in tropical regions.
Submissions are open to writers aged 18 and older who are Ghanaian citizens currently living in Ghana or North America. Writers who have published a full length manuscript in any genre are not eligible.
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS
31 JANUARY 2025, 11:59 pm GMT
Consider the following prompts for your poems
What is the most unusual way you have demonstrated tenacity?
How, like the Aya fern, have you managed to grow in unexpected places or seasons?
How have you allowed yourself to flourish despite the odds?
Prizes
2 Winners receive USD 500.
Two (2) Finalists will receive USD 100 Finalists and winners will be announced in May 2025 and be invited for an award ceremony at the All African Women Poetry Festival.
Finalists will also be invited to apply for the WaterMill Residency.
Selected submissions will be considered for publication in a digital anthology. The committee holds the right to not select winners based on the quality of submissions.
Fee
60 GHC/$20
(covers 4 poetry workshops + prize entry)
Early registration discounts available
Workshops
Virtual and in-person, led by judges
Payment options: In-person, momo, or online
Attendance: Must attend at least one workshop for submission to be considered [Click here to register and learn how to submit]
Guidelines
Submit no more than one (1) poem per submission. One submission per person. Additional submissions will not be read. Poems may be any length, any style, or any subject but must incorporate the chosen Adinkra symbol and its meaning.
Do not include any identifying information in the submission document
We request that you submit unpublished poems only.
We accept simultaneous submissions but please notify us if your work is picked up elsewhere.
All previous winners and finalists are eligible to apply as long as they have not published a chapbook or full-length manuscript.
All questions can be submitted to adinkrapoetryprize@gmail.com
