“Kissiwaa the Heroine

“Kissiwaa the Heroine” is a powerful short story from the Beacon of Light literature book studied in Ghanaian JHS schools. It follows the courageous 17 year old girl, Kissiwaa, who defeats Bediako, a five-time draught champion, shocking her entire community and making history. Her victory breaks gender stereotypes and proves that patience, focus and humility is important in achieving success.

Stay with me because this story is insightful.

In the quiet but proud town of Asempayetia, the final match of the community draughts tournament was about to start.

This wasn’t just any game – it was tradition, history and pride. The whole town had gathered under the sacred Nyamedua tree to watch.

And for the first time ever, the finalist was a young woman – Kissiwaa.

[THE CHALLENGE]
She was up against Bediako, the undefeated champion – smart, and full of pride.

Many believed no one could beat him… especially not a young girl but Kissiwaa wasn’t afraid.

She was calm, focused, and ready to prove that talent has no gender.

[ OLD SOLDIER’S WISDOM]

In the crowd stood Old Soldier – a retired veteran who believed in respect and discipline.

He worried that the playful teasing during games had turned into harsh insults, and kids were starting to copy the bad behaviour.
He whispered a message of encouragement to Kissiwaa:

“Win or lose, you’re already a hero to the girls watching.”
And that message lit a fire in her heart.

[THE FIRST TWO GAMES]

The match began, and to everyone’s shock, Kissiwaa won the first game!
Then she won the second one too!
The crowd went wild. The champion was shaken.
Could she really win a third time and make history?

[A LESSON IN RESPECT]

But just before the final game, things took a dark turn.
Bediako and Kissiwaa argued, raining provocative words and insults at each other which was a norm in a game.
Then, Bediako’s son shouted a mean insult at another child who was Kissiwaa’s supporter.
The village was shocked because such an act especially from a child was unacceptable hence, the boy was to be given ten lashes at the chief’s palace.

That was when Old Soldier stepped forward.
He said something that silenced everyone:

“The child only repeated what he heard from adults. You insult each other… and now you’re shocked when a child does the same?”

This was an uncomfortable truth. The crowd looked down, ashamed.
They realised: respect begins with them.

[THE FINAL GAME]

With emotions calmed, the final game began.
No more insults, just focus and silence.
Click by click, marble by marble… the game grew more intense.
Bediako tried every trick he knew.
But Kissiwaa was ready for him.
She made a bold move—one… two… three marbles gone!

And with a final swift jump… she captured the last piece!

[CELEBRATION AND VICTORY]
The crowd erupted in joy!
They lifted Kissiwaa high, singing and dancing through the village streets.

Women sang songs of victory.
Children danced and clapped.
Kissiwaa had done it – she was Asempayetia’s first female draughts champion.

But more than that – she showed the community the power of confidence, focus, and gender equality.

Some Themes in the Story

1. Courage and Confidence:
Even though Kissiwaa is young and underestimated, she boldly stands up to Bediako, who is a 5-time champion.

The message is that, you can overcome fear and succeed if you believe in yourself.

2. Gender Equality:
Draught is mainly a male dominated game, but Kissiwaa, a young female stood to change the trend and won at last.

3. The theme of Respect:
Old Soldier reminded the community of an important value which is respect for each other.

Without his intervention, the games would not have been peaceful.

Literary Devices in Kissiwaa the Heroine

    Simile
1. The evening air wrapped around Asempayetia like a cool breeze.

‌2. The game was like a careful dance.

‌3. You stood here, insulting each other like politicians on TV.

‌5. “You’re like our leaders”

‌6. Her marbles lined up like elite soldiers

‌7. Kissiwaa’s hand was ready, fingers spread like a hawk about to pounce.

Alliteration

‌1. …they competed in a game of skill and strategy.

‌2. …each side strongly supporting their favourite player.

‌3. Everyone was waiting to see what would happen.

‌4. Since returning home, he had seen people joking and teasing each other.

‌5. Old Soldier scanned the crowd as the game started.

‌6. Bediako laughed loudly

‌7. At this his supporters started a teasing wail.

‌8. Her eyes fixed firmly on the board.

‌9. The crowd’s excitement only helped her to focus.

‌10. Bediako’s fans fired with teasing jokes.

‌11. The crowd went wild cheering and chanting loudly.

‌12. Bediako wanted to bounce back.

‌13. Bediako tried to take control.

‌14. The slightest mistake meant a lost marble.

‌15. Bediako held his remaining marbles tightly, his hands tense

Metaphor

‌1. The air was electrifying.

‌2. She tuned out the noise.

‌3. Old Soldier’s eyes sparkled with pride.

‌4. Bediako’s face turned white as he rushed to his son.

‌5. Bediako spoke up, his voice thick with regret.

‌6. Old Soldier spoke up again, his eyes shining with excitement.

‌7. The draughts board was a minefield of traps from each player.

‌8. ….but Kissiwaa’s defences stayed strong. She evaded each attack, moving her marbles to create chances.

Symbolism

‌1. For many years,the Nyamedua tree represented safety, wisdom, and spiritual growth….

Imagery

‌1. its roots growing deep into the ground, its limbs stretching up to the sky.

‌2. His tough look and sharp eyes

‌3. Bediako looked upset loosing his calm.

‌4. Old Soldier’s eyes widened, his face pale with disappointment.

‌5. Bediako’s face turned white as he rushed to his son

Personification

‌1. In Asempayetia, the Nyamedua was more than just a tree – it protected, healed, and brought people together.

2‌. ….excitement filled the air

‌3. Excitement filled the town square as sunset approached

‌4. The draugts match excitement swept through the village.

‌5. The village waited anxiously.

‌6. “One more game, For Asempayetia’s pride”

‌7. The air filled with music and laughter.

‌8. …its limbs stretching up to the sky.

Repetition

‌1. The crowd’s cheers got louder and louder:

2. “Bediako, Bediako, it’s a win for Bediako!”

3. The chanting swelled, merging into a triumphant call to victory:

‌4. “Obunumankoman, obunumankoman, Odapegyan eee!

‌Obunumankoman, obunumankoman, Odapegyan eee!

‌Osono eee! Osono eee!

Osono ekyiri nye abua!”

‌5. Bediako, Bediako, the dribbler king

‌6. kissiwa’s marble jumped and jumped again

Hyperbole

‌1. Each click of the marbles sounded through the square.

Paradox

‌2. As we all know, the only permanent thing is change.

Onomatopoeia

‌1. She slid the marble across the board with a soft click.

‌2. The audience buzzed excitedly…..

Rhetorical question

‌1. Could he come out with a clever plan to turn the game around?

‌ 2. …would kissiwaa win and become Asempayetia’s first female draughts champion? Or would Bediako the five-time winner, make an amazing comeback?

‌3. Would Kissiwaa keep winning, or would Bediako stop her?

‌4. You think you’re better than me?” he growled.

‌5. “How can they behave like this?”

‌6. “Ababio, what did you do?”

‌7. You attacked each other without thinking, and now you want to punish him for doing the same?

‌8. “You forgot kids watch, listen, and learn from you. Now you’re surprised when they copy you?”

Synecdoche

‌1. Faces once full of excitement now looked thoughtful, eyes cast down.

Setting
Under the Nyamedua tree in Asempayetia town square.
Narrative Technique
Third Person Narrative.

Questions and Answers on Kissiwaa the Heroine.

1. What is the central theme in the story?

a. Personal ambition and success

b. Unity, community, and respect

c. Social inequality and justice

d. Love and relationships

2. Who is the main character in the story?

a. Kissiwaa

b. Bediako

c. Old Soldier

d. The village chief

3. Identify the setting in the extract.

a. Asempayetia’s palace

b. The village square

c. The forest

d. The riverbank

4. What does the Nyamedua tree symbolize?

a. Strength and aggression

b. Safety, wisdom, and spiritual growth

c. Love and relationships

d. Prosperity and wealth

Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow:

Under the beautiful Nyamedua tree in Asempayetia’s town square, the community gathered excitedly.

This special tree, planted by their leader, reminded them of a higher power watching over them.

For many years, the Nyamedua tree represented safety, wisdom, and spiritual growth, its roots growing deep into the ground, its leaves stretching up to the sky.

5. What literary device is used in the sentence “its roots growing deep into the ground”?

a. Metaphor

b. Simile

c. Personification

d. Imagery

6. What does the phrase “a higher power watching over them” suggest?

a. The community’s reliance on technology

b. The importance of human leadership

c. The power of nature

d. The presence of supernatural forces

7. What tone is conveyed through the description of the community gathering?

a. Sombre and reflective

b. Excited and joyful

c. Critical and disapproving

d. Fearful and anxious

8. How is the Nyamedua tree related to “safety, wisdom, and spiritual growth”?a. Hyperbole

b. Alliteration

c. Symbolism.

d. Idiom

9. How does the author use the Nyamedua tree to characterize the community?

a. As violent and aggressive

b. As wise and spiritually connected

c. As prosperous and wealthy

d. As isolated and individualistic

10. What does the phrase “its leaves stretching up to the sky” suggest?

a. Limitations and constraints

b. Growth and aspiration

c. Fear and uncertainty

d. Despair and hopelessness.

Correct Answer is B

11. What was the reason for gathering in the town square?

Ans: To witness the draughts tournament between Kissiwaa and Bediako.

12. How many times did one have to win to be crowned the winner of the draught tournament?

Ans: 3 times

13. The Nyamedua tree was planted byAns: Their leader

14. Name three prizes the winner of the draught tournament was to be given.

Ans: A special dinner with the leader, travelling with the leader on important trips and exemption from payment of community fees.

15. Who raised his hand to signal the start of the competition?Ans: The announcer

16. The main reason people trusted Bediako to beat Kissiwaa was

Ans: He had won the tournament 5 times

17. What time did the games begin?

Ans: 5pm

18. At the start of the game, what was used to determine the one who started the game?

Ans: A coin flip

19. What was Kissiwaa’s suggestion before the games began?

Ans: She suggested that the insults should be dropped.

20. In the short story, who was referred to as “the dribbler king?”

Ans: Bediako

21. “You think you’re better than me?” he growled. “You’re not!”Which character made this statement?

Ans: Bediako

22. Why was Old Soldier disappointed in the crowd?

Ans: They insulted one another

23. The name of Bediako’s son was…………..Ans: Ababio

24. In Asempayetia, what was the punishment given to a child who insulted?

Ans: Ten lashes at the chief’s palace followed by a month alone a home.

25. What theme is shown when Kissiwaa proves she can beat Bediako?

Ans: Gender equality and breaking stereotypes.

26. How is unity shown in the story’s ending?Ans: The villagers all celebrate Kissiwaa together despite earlier divisions.

27. Why did some men in the crowd laugh at Kissiwaa?

Ans: They underestimated her because of her gender and age.

28. What social issue does the story indirectly criticize?

Ans: Gender discrimination.29. What does Old Soldier symbolize?

Ans: Wisdom, discipline, and guidance.

30. What metaphor is used to describe the draughts board?

Ans: It is compared to a “battleground of strategy and skill.

31. Who is Ababio?

Ans: Bediako’s son, who insulted a supporter of Kissiwaa.

31. What request did Kissiwaa make before the game began?

Ans: She asked for the insults and jesting to stop.

32. Who won the final decisive game?A: Kissiwaa.

33. What did Old Soldier say about children?

Ans: That children learn from what adults do.

34. How is unity disrupted during the tournament?

Ans: By insults, quarrels, and Ababio’s rudeness.

35. What lesson does the community learn from Ababio’s insult?

Ans: That adults must set a good example for children.

36. What made the draughts tournament historic?

Ans: It was the first time a girl challenged the champion.

37. What is one weakness in Bediako’s character?

A: Overconfidence.

38. What lesson is learned from Bediako’s defeat?

Ans: Arrogance leads to downfall

39. Which character trait of Kissiwaa can students learn from?

Ans: Determination.

40. How is contrast used to show differences between Kissiwaa and Bediako?

Ans: Kissiwaa is humble and thoughtful, while Bediako is boastful and careless.

💬 Drop a comment below – which part of this story inspired you the most?
👍 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more interesting stories from A Beacon of Light.