Are you proud to be Ghanaian? That was the question that trailed me last week, as another book was launched about the life, pen, and handiwork of this writer. The launch of ‘Proudly Ghanaian: Our Gold Still Glitters,’ racked my nerves and found me sweating through questions posed by Ace Ankomah, an iconic lawyer, who at the event referred to our chat as a ‘cross examination.’
It was a different kind of book launch, thanks to my great publishers, Smartline, that put greater emphasis on interaction with author, and ruled out a book auction. I extend appreciation to the dignified audience that joined us at the British Council that day including my dedicated friends and Facebook followers plus specially invited guests, friends and relations. And when the Special Guest Dr Mensa Otabil quietly asked if this was my finale, I chuckled and whispered my next title in his ears, a theme that left him wide-eyed.
It was great interacting with the younger generation of writers, some of them confessing to have followed my writings from childhood; but also my mentors led by my senior brother Kojo Yankah, Founder of the African University of Communication and Business. Kofi Yankah was there too; he was Commercial Manager of an early 1990s Uhuru Magazine run by the Yankah Brothers.
But it was nostalgic encountering my long lost friend, Ajoa Yeboah Afari, a celebrated writer whose instigation years ago brought about the hub of my literary universe, the Kwatriot column. Ajoa, thanks for your foresight. I also salute statesmen, politicians and professionals who honored my invitation and freely chatted with me on contemporary politics in the waiting room. Honorable Yaw Osei Adu Twum, Hon Dr Owusu Afriyie, Professor Attafuah, Ken Amankwa, Amb Esther Ofori, etc. thanks. Academics from Ashesi, UCC, Legon, UniMAC, Central University, Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences, would not be left out, along with business executives and magnates from engineering and other professions.
How could this have happened without the august presence of my colleagues from Agona East, fellow Vikings and past students from Winnesec. Unavoidably absent with apologies was my nephew the Efutu Boy, Osahene the Minority Leader; but Prof Ameyaw Ekumfi and several others sent reps. In his elements that day was Kofi Akpabli the book reviewer, who embarrassed me with memorable snippets from the book, that kept me wondering ‘did I write that?’ Ace Ankomah was fun: teasing me with delicate themes on current affairs in his cross examination. The Achiase boy mischievously jibed me with issues that were too close for comfort. But those teasers compelled me to be brutally frank: Does Ghana’s gold still glitter? Yet all this could not have happened in the absence of my IGP, and resident editor-in-chief. I mean the daughter of my father-in-law. She bowed to the audience.
All in all, we had a good time nibbling on snacks and chit chatting as good highlife music ported on saxophone wrapped us all, celebrating the Glitter of Ghana’s Gold.
Please salute the Black Star by getting your copy of the book, and a few for friends. But don’t miss the iconic pix of a big boy pounding and turning fufu, one unmistakable proof of being proudly Ghanaian.
For more info: 0501795891
NOTE: The Author, Prof. Kwesi Yankah, is an Emeritus Professor at Ashesi University, a former Minister of State in Charge of Tertiary Education, a former Vice Chancellor of Central University, and a former Pro-Vice Chancellor of University of Ghana
