The President of the Ghana Association of Writers (GAW), Francis Gbormittah, has challenged Ghanaian creative writers to produce books that could change the development course of the country.
He was of the view that good books must be produced as reading of such materials has potentials to change the development course of Ghana, adding that it will change the sense of hopelessness that has eaten deep into our people especially the under privileged.
He made the remarks during the maiden graduation and launch of Ghana writers Marathon class of 2021 at the Accra Metropolitan Assembly Conference Hall in Accra on Saturday, August 7, 2021.
The event was on the theme: “attaining, maintaining and sustaining a literary eco-system in Ghana”.
Gbormittah blamed the unavailability of creative writers capable of influencing policies in the country as serious setback that must be of concern to all persons, particularly literary compatriots.
For him, creative writing must be considered as a major component and partner in engendering national cohesion and development.
He also bemoaned the attitude of publishers who are mostly interested only in publishing text books as compared to other creative writing materials and said this is one of the primary setbacks for professionals in the writing field.
The GAW President has, consequently, pleaded with the Ministry of Tourism, Art and Culture not to only focus on Tourism, but embrace other creative arts groups such as the creative writers and give them the needed support through policy formulation such as the National Reading policy across all sectors to enhance the fortunes of the creative arts industry players.
Prince Mensah, the Chief Executive Officer of Ghana writers Marathon group explained the reasoning behind the use of the word “marathon”, which he said, stands for speed, stamina and strength that explains the act of writing.
The Ghana Writers Marathon is a brainchild of Ghanaian- American writer who garnered support of friends from the literacy circles, started this initiative at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic to give back to society what he learnt as an African creative living in the United States of America”, he opined
On his part, although the pandemic locked a lot of people indoors, the Ghana writers Marathon class did not waste it but took to achieving their aims and objectives and by so doing raised twelve (12), Eleven (11) of whom are males and Alberta Zormelo the only female.
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Mensah urged the public to look out for their manuscript which will be flooding the Ghanaian market and advised Ghanaians and readers to patronise their own and learn from the publications, the values and cultures that still remain relevant in these times to appreciate their culture as well as boost their self-image.
The CEO of Erratic Truths, a non- governmental organisation into promotion of women empowerment and also a sponsor of the Ghana writers Marathon congratulated the graduands and also urged companies to support such noble initiatives to support the growth of the youth for a better future which is solely reliant on them.
