Samira Bawumia Celebrates Young Ghanaian Writers with SBLP Anthology
-
Loading... - Monday Abbey
- 18 Dec 2024
- 37 Views
- 0 Like
- 0 Comment
Her Excellency Samira Bawumia, the Second Lady of Ghana, has launched an inspiring anthology titled “All Ghana A Stage: We Move, Ghanaian Dream in Motion” at The AVI in Accra. This book is the second anthology produced under the Samira Bawumia Literature Prize (SBLP), a biennial competition dedicated to nurturing and showcasing the literary talents of young Ghanaians.
During the launch event, Mrs. Bawumia emphasized the anthology's purpose, stating, “This book is a collection of work from different writers…the collective work of 10 winners across poetry, fiction, and non-fiction. It’s a platform for unpublished writers, giving them the chance to call themselves published authors, opening doors for future opportunities.”
She described the anthology’s title as a reflection of the aspirations of Ghanaian youth, highlighting the resilience and ambition inherent in the Ghanaian dream. “The Ghanaian dream is to aspire to something and attain it. While setbacks may arise, we are resilient and aspirational people, and Ghana is moving forward,” she remarked.
Mrs. Bawumia reiterated her commitment to promoting reading and writing among Ghanaian students by donating copies of the anthology to schools and organizing tours to inspire future writers.
Rev. Dr. Joyce Aryee, a member of the advisory board for the Samira Empowerment and Humanitarian Project (SEHP), praised the initiative's impact on Ghana’s literary landscape. “Since its inception in 2020, the Samira Bawumia Literature Prize has created a transformative platform for young writers to tell their stories and amplify their voices. This anthology is the fruit of a vision to nurture talent, preserve heritage, and push the boundaries of Ghanaian storytelling,” she stated.
Dr. Aryee celebrated the creativity showcased in the anthology, noting, “Each story, poem, and essay captures a facet of our collective journey—triumphs, challenges, and unyielding hope. This movement champions storytelling as a cornerstone of culture and development.” She urged readers to honor Ghanaian stories, emphasizing their significance in shaping national identity: “A nation that does not honor its stories will never be honored by history.”
The Samira Bawumia Literature Prize was launched in 2020 to encourage emerging Ghanaian writers and contribute to the country’s literary growth. Winners benefit from workshops and have their work published, paving the way for international opportunities.
With its focus on celebrating the aspirations and resilience of Ghanaians, “All Ghana A Stage: We Move, Ghanaian Dream in Motion” stands as a testament to the power of storytelling in shaping Ghana’s future and nurturing the next generation of literary talent.
