Book On Afajato: Stories From Around The Volta Lake Launched

The Ama Atta Aidoo Centre For Creative Writing (AAACCW) of the African University College of Communication (AUCC) has garnered praise for its pivotal role in projecting Ghanaian literary voices who celebrate the Ghanaian culture through the launch of its third regional anthology, “AFAJATO: Stories From Around the Volta Lake”.

Launched on Thursday, 28th March 2024, the Afajato anthology, the fifth from the Aidoo Centre, is a collection of short stories revolving around the Volta Lake regions, crafted by 16 unique authors, most of whom are new writers, while a few are seasoned authors.

These authors—Alberta Morty, Akorfa Dawson, Ursula M. Abanga, Aisha Nelson, Ruth Aryeh, Patience Millennium Hlorlewu, Benjamin Cyril Arthur, Ellen Diamond, Deborah Titus-Glover, Kristy Naa Adjeley Lomo, Serwa Gyedu-Nuako, Kwesi Woode, Jim Fara Awindor, Abaa Moses Apiah, Lawal Raqeeba, and Kofi Dzogbewu—are now part of the esteemed Aidoo Centre alumni.

“As we have gathered here to Launch Afajato: Stories from around the Volta Lake, a testament to the diverse narratives emanating from the regions surrounding the Volta Lake, it is imperative that we reflect on the significance of Regional Anthologies and their profound impact on building stronger and more cohesive communities. The significance of every anthology in essence lies within the ability to harness the power of storytelling. A timeless tradition that transcends boarders, languages and generations,” said Executive Director of National Commission on Culture, Nana Otuo Owoahene Acheampong, during his key note address at the book launch.

“In a world where certain stories are often overshadowed or silenced, these anthologies will, in the long run, provide a platform for voices that have long been ignored or marginalized. Furthermore, 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. They instil ownership and appreciation among residents, empowering them to take pride in their roots to the promotion and preservation of their cultural identity.

“In addition to their cultural significance, regional anthologies have tangible benefits for community development and empowerment by promoting cultural tourism, economic opportunities and cross-cultural exchange. They contribute to the socio-economic advancement of regions whiles fostering a sense of pride and unity among residents. The celebration of this event today will invaluably serve as an educational resource which will offer insights into the history, traditions, and values that shape our communities,” he went on to say.

In attendance of the Afajato book launch, hosted at African University College of Communication (AUCC), in Accra, were the Queenmother of Adabraka Otuapai, Naa Korkor Aadzeioyi I; Execitive Director of National Commission on Culture, Nana Otuo Owoahene Acheampong; the President of AUCC, Prof. Abeku Blankson; The Registrar of AUCC, Miss Juliana Owusu-Ansah; Ag. Vice President of AUCC, Kemi WaleOlaitan; HODs Of AUCC; Students and staff of AUCC as well as the authors of the Afajato Anthology.

The official launch of “AFAJATO: Stories From Around the Volta Lake” was gracefully conducted by none other than Naa Kokor Aadzieoyi I, Queen mother of Adabraka Otuapai, underscoring the cultural significance of the anthology and its importance in representing the rich cultural heritage of the Volta region.

“I am glad to be at this all-important event. We must tell our own stories to guid and protect our prosperity. AFAJATO: Stories From Around the Volta Lake will serve as a reference as well as a guide in representing that region. To appreciate a community or a group you much know their story and understand their culture. I hereby announce the Afajato book launched,”

The Queen mother said. With her endorsement, the book was ushered into the literary world.

Certificates for the recognition of their work, were awarded to each author by Dr. Kemi WaleOlaitan, Ag. Vice President of AUCC, accompanied by custom-designed tote bags containing copies of the anthology. Nana S. Achampong, Director of AAACCW, facilitated the book sales, offering attendees the opportunity to purchase some of the centre’s anthologies.

In a closing, Nana S. Achampong, Director of the Ama Ata Aidoo Centre for Creative Writing, and the anthologist, expressed gratitude to all participants at the event and congratulated the authors on their contributions.

INTERVIEW WITH AUTHORS

The event concluded with insightful personal interviews with some of the anthology’s authors on the subjects of the inspiration behind their works and what message they had for aspiring writers.

Ellen Diamond Nusinyo Dedze, author of “Amenuveve,” highlighted the therapeutic power of writing. “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.”

Kirsty Lomo, author of “The Cave,” shared, “There is this proverb that a child cannot see what is at the top. That is what inspired my story. History and stories have to be passed down. We read so we must pass on from generation to generation.”

Kofi Dzogdewu, author of “To Catch a Ghost,” urged aspiring writers to explore their culture for inspiration. “To aspiring authors out there, they should dig deep and find stories around themselves. Stories about their culture. There are a lot of stories when we look back at our culture. You’ll be shocked at the inspiration that would come out of it.”

Alberta Morty, author of “A Riceless Christmas,” emphasized the importance of writing persistently. “I am from where Afajato is so the Afajato and its environs and living with my grandparents and cousins inspired my story. Aspiring authors should write. There is no perfect time to write. There is always a reader for a writer.”

Abaa Moses Appiah encouraged writers to write for the future generation. “My story is trying to inspire and tell the young ones to appreciate our tradition and who we are. Aspiring writers, we always have the notion that we don’t get anything out of writing but it is good to put something down to inspire the future.”

 

STORY WRITTEN By Vanessa O. Vanderpuye