All Ghana A Stage is a collection of short stories, essays, and poems. The anthology puts a spotlight on the life (struggles & joys), culture and traditions of the modern-day Ghanaian.
Where do I start from? Whew! When I first received the book, I was promised a great reading experience, but I didn’t expect the joy and happiness of reading this book.
I found myself in each of the essays, short stories, and poems. They are a true reflection of life and living like a Ghanaian. This collection is relatable, funny, relevant, thought-provoking, and inspiring.
I like that the writers explored weighty subjects such as rape, mental health, culture and traditions, sex, parenting, politics, citizenship, leadership, and development among others. I loved the dynamics and the plethora of thought–provoking themes in the book.
Another thing that caught my attention is the use of language. For me, it is the beauty of this book.
The short stories were simple, and the sporadic use of Ghanaian English and Ghanaian phrases spiced up the book. The essays were detailed, objective, rounded and tackled things we see and say as everyday Ghanaians. The poems were beautifully written, and the wordplay was amazing. I am happy I got to live my true Ghanaian self and identity through every one of these stories, poems, and essays.
These poems, stories and essays are the best out of the thousands of poems, short stories and essays submitted to the maiden edition of the Samira Bawumia Literature Prize. For me, this Literature Prize means a lot for the young and upcoming writers in the literary space in Ghana. Literature mirrors a society, and I am happy that this book lived up to the expectation of mirroring the Ghanaian society. The quality of writing in this book is impressive. I was totally blown away. I am of the view that, the quality of works of written literature in Ghana has reduced drastically but this book gave me hope. Hope that we will find the next Ama Atta Aiddo, Ayesha Haruna Attah, Ayi Akwei Amarh, Bisi Adjapon, Ama Darko, Nii Parkes, Yaa Gyasi, Kofi Awonoor, Kofi Akpabli, Efo Kodjo Mawugbe among others. Literature competitions and publishing of raw and unearthed talents such as this will go a long way to exploring, preserving, and promoting the writing industry in Ghana. The younger generation needs to be given a chance to write about the experiences, struggles, joys, and triumphs. Thank you to the second lady Mrs. Samira Bawumia for giving them a chance to write this collection that is more relatable to the Ghanaian audience. Yes, I recommend this book. Buy it and read it. This one certainly deserves a space on your shelf.
Each story, poem or essay in this book is beautiful. Here are my favourites:
Pilolo by Anthony Morrison Kwavah
Pharmakeia and How to name a city by Jerry Edem Agbenu
I Bet I Can Eat My Cake and Have It: A Ghanaian’s Manifesto by Grace Mensah-Fosu
Never Again by Henneh Kyereh Kwaku
The Ones Who Grow In The Shadow of Nkrumah’s Dream: A Memior by Maurice Djojo Adjetey
You Don’t Eat Fufu by Jasmine Agyeiwaa Balfour
Not Long Enough to Break Us By Estella Esinam Apenuvor
Nasara: A Failed Attempt at Success by Joel Afful
My Bucket of Words By Benjamin Cyril Arthur
My Belief and A Ghanaian Boy by Gerald Adjei
Responsible Citizenship. Reactive Leadership: The Case of Tuba by Lawrence Nii Kotey Neequaye
All Ghana A Stage by Sedinam Kufe
Baaba, Black Sheep by Amissah Kwadwo John
A Cadence of Maa’mi by Sarah Fakor Kokui Toseafe
Two Faced by Florence Ofori
For God and Country by Joseph Appoh
The Government Versus The People by Enock Acquah
Surviving A Slum in Ashiaman by Kwao Jonathan Tetteh
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