Review of the Weekend's Literary Events

@Farida's Reading at the Goethe Institute

Last Friday, under the auspices of the Ghana Writers Project and the Goethe Institute, the Ghana Voices Series organised its first book reading of the year, which saw Farida Bedwei read from her debut novel, The Definition of a Miracle. Her detailed description of scenes and events was palpable as she read different passages to the audience. The lighter side of the story sends guffaws all across the hall. Her description of life in the early and later 90s in Ghana is fresh and the language precise especially for the main character, from whose view point the story was narrated.

There is nothing as interesting as meeting an author and questioning her on her book as the question and answer session proved. I made a purchase which I got autographed; it would be reviewed on this blog in the course of the year.

The Definition of a Miracle would be launched on March 5, 2011 at the PAWA (Pan-African Writers Association) House located near Accra Girls High School at 6 0'clock PM. Hope to see you all there.

@Ehalakasa Poetry TalkParty

Kwasi Amoak

Once again, poets and performers met at the Nubuke Foundation to listen to poetry and songs. Yesterday's event featured Kwasi Amoak, Novisi, Benjamin Akoi-Jackson, Roboan, Nii Lantey, Kyekyeku, Martin, Selasi, Poetra Asantewaa, Rhyme Sonny, Foster Toppar, Nana Yaw Asiedu, 100% and many others. There were great improvisations and collaborations: Roboan, Nii Lantey and Kyekyeku; Selasi and Kyekyeku; Delasi and Kyekyeku.

Foster Toppar

This week's discussion centered around the model for success in Ghana. We sought to find who are the people seen as successful these days; whether it's the rich, the powerful or the religious leaders and the impact of these models of success. The discussion pointed straight at those with money and status, but more importantly to money. Thus, gradually society, we agreed, sees the rich as the most successful individuals irrespective of the letters before their names or how the wealth was acquired. For the impact of this model, the eagerness of the youth to obtain wealth no matter the consequence and would  therefore dabble in numerous negative practices were pointed out.

N. Fredua-Agyeman

With a friend, a drink or both  we invite you to the next gathering on March 13, 2011 at 5 o'clock pm. We seek expression and not perfection, hence come and express yourself. Next meeting's topic for discussion would be

Ghana's Independence: How does our pre-history impact the present and the future? Here, we intend to skip our immediate history of "Independence in 1957", and look beyond that to the roots of our present state.

Nii Lantey and Roboan

Please visit our facebook page and become a member of this fan group as we work to elevate the literary arts in Ghana to the highest level it deserves.

@Citi FM Literary Appreciation

Every Sunday between 8:30pm and 9:30 pm the Ghana Writers Project host a Literary Appreciation on Citi FM. This Sunday's episode hosted Naa Adoley Pappoe, Foster Toppar and Kwasi Amoak. The programme is hosted by Teddy Totimeh and Obed Sarpong, supported by Nana Nyarko Boateng. Click here to join our facebook fan page.