The Afadjato book launch
On Thursday, 28th March, 2024, The Ama Atta Aidoo Centre For Creative Writing (AAACCW) launched its latest Anthology titled AFAJATO:STORIES FROM AROUND THE VOLTA LAKE at the B&PD centre at African University College of Communications (AUCC) in Adabraka, Accra.
The book is a collection of short stories centred in the Volta region of Ghana, from 15 unique authors, most of them beginners, a few seasoned, who have been ushered into that exclusive group of Aidoo Centre alumni (now 76) who are set to carry the mantle of the late Ama Ata Aidoo forward. The stories were compiled and edited by the Anthologist and director of the AAA Centre for creative writing, Nana Sandy Achampong.
The Welcome address was given by Prof. Abeku Blankson, president of the African University College of Communication, he had said that he was very excited to have had this opportunity to interact and share his thoughts with creative writers at the podium and other outsiders and students who collaborated or partnered in writing the Afadjato book.
Prof. Blankson went ahead to talk about the book,AFADJATO: STORIES FROM AROUND THE VOLTA LAKE, which talks about everything that happened around the Volta lake, which he said was a very important book to read. “And so to have creative minds who get together to write stories about it, I think it is worth reading and pondering over it” he had sad.
The program was later continued by poetry recitals from Unsung words by Dora Mwintero Diyuoh, poet and student of AUCC, a captivating poetry recital on peace.
Nana Otuo Owoahene Acheampong, Executive Director, National Commission on Culture was also at the book launch, which he suggested that he and AUCC president meet and discuss their MOU to cement the relationship between AUCC and the National Commission on Culture. He then congratulated each author of the Afajato Anthology, individually. He went further to say that Through the art of storytelling we do not only preserve our cultural heritage but also forge connections that unite us in our shared humanity. Nana Otuo Owoahene concluded by saying Regional anthologies, such as the Afajato have the power to foster a sense of belonging and a pride among communities by celebrating the unique cultural heritage of each region.
The book was then reviewed by a level 400 journalism student, Vanessa Vanderpuye,a writer and an intern of the AMA ATA Aidoo center for creative writing, the AAA centre for creative writing has done it once again she said, playing a pivotal role in nurturing and celebrating the diverse undiscovered voices within the Ghanaian literary landscape. “These pages are not merely penned down stories but preservations of the rich history and culture of the Volta Region. From the opening notes of “A riceless Christmas” to the concluding words of ”To catch a Ghost”, each story serves as a testament to the resilience, joy, and complexity of the people who call the Volta Region home”, she said. Vanessa spoke about how fifteen individuals most of them beginners, a few seasoned, have been ushered into that exclusive group of Aidoo Centre alumni (now 76) who are set to carry the mantle of the late Ama Ata Aidoo forward.
https://youtube.com/shorts/2M63EGKjWO0?si=d3x1RIBCC2XaJQUX
The queen mother of Adabraka Otuapai, Naa Korkor Aadzieoyi I, was honored to have been invited to launch the AFADJATO: STORIES FROM AROUND TGE VOLTA LAKE. “I am glad to be at this all important event. We must tell our own stories to guid and protect our prosperity”, she had said. She also continued by saying that the book will serve as a reference as well as a guide in representing Volta region.
“To appreciate a community or a group you much know their story and understand their culture. I hereby announce the Afajato book launched”, she concluded.
Certificates and customized tote bags with a copy of the book where
After certificates were awarded, the Director for the AAA centre for creative writing placed all the anthologies by the AAA center for creative writing on sale for all those present with customized AAACCW tote bags. He also gave the vote of thanks where he thanked everyone who took the time to be at the event and congratulated all the authors.
After the program was over, most of the authors shared their inspiration behind the book during my interview with them,"I have a mom who is a midwife. She being in the Health sector inspires me to write a lot of pieces centred around health. Writing is beautiful. It can take you to the world of the unknown. If you're sad, put it into writing. If you are happy put it into writing. You'll never know who would read it," Ellen Diamond Nusinyo Dedze, author of Amenuveve, from the Afajato book had said.
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