The competition was launched in 2014 and has provided a competitive platform to develop the intellectual and writing abilities of Senior High Schools students in Ghana, Nigeria and Senegal.

The competition has so far produced nine winners, some of which are studying in various universities.

Mrs Abiola Bawuah, the Chief Executive Officer of UBA Ghana, said the Bank was committed to the development of the country’s education because the future of Africa was in the hands of the youth.

She said the number of essay entries received last year was an improvement over the previous years and that their outfit would continue to support students who strive to achieve academic excellence in cognitive writing and other academic disciplines.

Mrs Bawuah said students who participate in the competition stand the chance of winning educational grants to help with their tuition in any African university of their choice.

She called on all SHS students in the country to participate in this year’s competition.

Madam Bola Atta, the Chief Executive Officer of UBA Foundation, said entries for this year’s edition starts on Thursday October 5 and would close on Friday, November 10.

She said applicants are required to submit handwritten essay of not more than 750 words to any of the UBA Ghana branch or to the head office, Heritage Tower in Accra.

The topic for the competition is “Galamsey or illegal Mining has been a menace to the Ghanaian society causing ill effects, as a student, what ways or methods do you suggest can curb this societal problem?’.

The winner will receive $ 5,000, while the first runner-up gets $3500.00 and the second runner-up receives $ 2000.00.

Mr Augustus Owusu Agyemfra, Deputy Director in charge of Secondary Division, Ghana Education Service, commended UBA Ghana for the initiative and pledged their support to ensure the success of the competition.

Mr Frederick Asante, a beneficiary of the 2015 competition and first year political science student at the University of Ghana thanked UBA Ghana for the sponsorship.