Promoting national writing contests among the youth is important for several reasons:

Encouraging creativity: Writing contests provide a platform for young people to express their thoughts, ideas, and emotions in a creative and imaginative way. By participating in these contests, youth are encouraged to think outside the box and explore their creativity.

Building confidence: Writing contests give young writers the opportunity to showcase their skills and receive recognition for their work. This can help boost their confidence and self-esteem, and motivate them to continue pursuing their passion for writing.

Developing critical thinking skills: Writing contests often require participants to think critically about a given topic and to present their ideas in a clear and coherent manner. This helps young writers develop their analytical and problem-solving skills, which are valuable in both academic and professional settings.

Fostering a love for writing: By participating in writing contests, youth are exposed to different genres and styles of writing, which can help them discover what they are passionate about. This can lead to a lifelong love for writing and storytelling.

Providing opportunities for recognition and advancement: Winning a national writing contest can open doors for young writers, such as publication opportunities, scholarships, and mentorship programs. This can help them further develop their writing skills and pursue a career in writing or related fields.

Overall, promoting national writing contests among the youth is important for nurturing creativity, building confidence, developing critical thinking skills, fostering a love for writing, and providing opportunities for recognition and advancement. It is a valuable way to support and encourage young writers in their literary pursuits.

Former President John Dramani Mahama, who is also the 2024 presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress, has promised to collaborate with the Ghana Association of Writers to establish a national writing contest if he becomes the next president of the Republic.

The writing contest will aim to promote and celebrate Ghanaian literature and writers, as well as encourage the development of writing skills among the youth.

Mahama's next government will provide funding and support for the contest, and winners will receive prizes and recognition for their work. This initiative will help to showcase the rich literary talents in Ghana and inspire the next generation of writers.