PAWA marks 10th anniversary with literary event
The Ghana Library Authority, in collaboration with the Pan-African Writers Association (PAWA) and the Creative Arts Agency, has marked the 10th anniversary of PAWA with a literary event in Accra.
The programme, held on Friday, sought to promote Ghana’s rich cultural heritage through strategic collaboration with literary, creative writing, poetry and cultural institutions across the continent.
Speaking at the event, the President-General of PAWA, Dr Wale Okediran, expressed excitement about the growing participation of students and young people in literary activities.
He said the future of Africa’s literary and cultural heritage depended largely on the younger generation.
Dr Okediran indicated that with the support of stakeholders, PAWA had launched a poetry competition which would eventually be expanded across Ghana.
“The initiative seeks to nurture a new generation of authors, poets, dramatists and literary professionals,” he noted.
He explained that PAWA serves as the umbrella body for writers’ associations in all 54 African countries and highlighted the continent’s linguistic diversity, including English, French, Arabic, Swahili, Portuguese and Spanish.
Despite the diversity, Dr Okediran underscored the need to preserve indigenous African languages and encouraged young people to embrace and speak their native tongues.
He commended ongoing efforts to translate African literary works into Ghanaian languages, describing them as a significant step towards preserving African identity and culture.
Dr Okediran also praised Professor Aboulade Ossorini for his dedication to Ghanaian culture and language despite his international exposure, citing that his passion demonstrated a deep appreciation of his roots.
He expressed appreciation to the Creative Arts Agency for supporting the programme and acknowledged volunteers, organisers and his wife for their contributions towards the success of the competition.
The Deputy Executive Director of the Ghana Library Authority, Mr Israel Yao Dzantor, reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to preserving and promoting Ghana’s cultural heritage.
He described the collaboration with PAWA as a key part of the authority’s strategic vision to strengthen literary and creative arts development across the country.
At the end of the competition, Accra High School placed first, followed by Accra Girls Senior High School in second position, while Wesley Grammar School came third.
BY HILDA NSAMI
Follow our WhatsApp Channel now! https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbAjG7g3gvWajUAEX12Q
