Events

*Continuously Updated*

Please see the list below and apply using the linked forms. Applications are open from 22nd September to 6th October, 2023

Workshops that are fully booked ahead of this time will be closed to new applications.

  • Crafting Compelling Submissions for UK-based Literary Prizes

    Facilitator: Bronia Humble

    Time: 3.00 PM - 4.30 PM, Friday, 13th October 2023.

    Venue: Goethe-Institut Ghana.

    Open to signed-up participants only.

    About the Workshop: Being long or short-listed for a literary prize is a coveted stepping stone towards securing an agent and a future publishing deal. But what does it take to be shortlisted? This workshop is designed for aspiring authors and aims to explain how UK-based literary prizes work and what a writer can do to maximise their chances of winning. Participants will get the opportunity to work with their own existing manuscript or brainstorm ideas for a novel opening during the workshop.

    This workshop is fully booked and is now closed.


  • Art Writing : You Can Say What You Think

    Facilitators: Ama Benewaa Tawiah, Jeff Atuobi, Abbey It-A

    Time: 10.00 AM - 11.30 AM, Saturday, 14th October 2023.

    Venue: Goethe-Institut Ghana.

    Open to signed-up participants only.

    About the Workshop: This Art Writing workshop is a series of exercises in self-expression and discovery through interactions with contemporary art pieces and some texts. "You can say what you think" is a unique opportunity for participants to respond to art and develop their own distinctive approaches to art writing.

    Project Highlights:

    • Interactions with contemporary arts that stimulate and challenge one’s perception and makes one pay attention to their aesthetic responses.
    • It is all about the participant and their perspective.

    Individuals are encouraged through specific tasks to cultivate their voice and articulate their opinions about contemporary arts. There will be collaborative learning from peer feedback and insight sharing.

    The work of the participants will be collected and published on an online platform that is widely available.

    The workshop can take only 10 participants.

    This workshop is fully booked and is now closed.


  • How to Write Dynamic Fiction

    Facilitator: Bisi Adjapon.

    Time: 2.00 PM - 3.30 PM, Friday, 13th October 2023.

    Venue: Goethe-Institut Ghana.

    Open to signed-up participants only.

    About the Workshop: Acclaimed writer Bisi Adjapon is facilitating a short, intensive workshop in fiction writing. Learn the art of crafting dynamic writing that keeps readers turning the page. For writers eager to sharpen their skills.

    The workshop can take only 10 participants.

    This workshop is fully booked and is now closed.


  • Introduction to Creative Writing Workshop.

    Facilitator: Samantha Boateng Habadah.

    Time: 12.00 PM - 4.00 PM, Friday, 13th October 2023.

    Venue: Goethe-Institut Ghana.

    Open to signed-up participants only.

    About the Workshop: This workshop has been carefully put together to cater for participants with little to no creative writing experience who wish to delve into creative writing. The workshop is target at young adults. This workshop is highly interactive and the participants will be engaged in various activities and writing exercises.

    This workshop is fully booked and is now closed.


  • "Lorgorligi Locomotion" - Writing and Performing

    Facilitator: Hondred Percent.

    Time: 12.00 PM - 2.00 PM, Friday, 13th October 2023.

    Venue: Goethe-Institut Ghana.

    Open to signed-up participants only.

    About the Workshop: The workshop aims to ignite creativity and provide a platform for poets of all levels to share their work in a supportive and inclusive environment. The workshop will have poets experience the journey of writing poetry and preparing for performing said poetry. Participants will be engaged in writing with available prompts and performing written works during the workshop.

    Apply here.


  • "Speak Your Verse, Speak With Courage" - Performance Poetry Workshop.

    Facilitator: Emma Ofosua.

    Time: 10.00 AM - 12.00 PM, Saturday, 14th October 2023.

    Venue: Goethe-Institut Ghana.

    Open to signed-up participants only.

    About the Workshop:The "Speak Your Verse, Speak With Courage" workshop will focus on the art of performance poetry, enabling poets to elevate their written words into captivating spoken performances. The workshop will introduce participants to Performance poetry, what it is and the technical approaches to help performers maximise the craft and engage their audience.

    Apply here.


  • Writing as Thinking.

    Facilitator: Professor Pamela Nichols.

    Time: 12.30 PM - 2.30 PM, Friday, 13th October 2023.

    Venue: Goethe-Institut Ghana.

    Open to signed-up participants only.

    About the Workshop: This workshop will introduce writing as thinking, which is the foundational premise behind both the Wits Writing Centre and the Wits Writing Programme (at the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa).

    In this workshop, we shall explore repertoires of voice employed to construct a scene or event from within a particular mind at a particular moment. We shall consider and practise how syntax can be used to construct a representation of consciousness, contrasting the representation of visceral experience, or participant text, with the representation of a qualified overview, or spectator text. Lastly, we shall consider how movement along the participant-spectator text spectrum can enliven both creative and academic writing. Participants in the workshop are required to bring writing materials and to be ready to experiment with ways of thinking and writing. Participants will also be provided with access to the preliminary draft of an online handbook on Creative Academic Writing.

    The workshop can take only 20 participants.

    This workshop is fully booked and is now closed.


  • Creative Nonfiction: Personal Essays and Memoir.

    Facilitator: Audrey Shipp.

    Time: 1.30 PM - 3.30 PM, Friday, 13th October 2023.

    Venue: Goethe-Institut Ghana.

    Open to signed-up participants only.

    About the Workshop: In this workshop we will situate creative nonfiction as a genre within the broader context of creative writing. How does the personal essay differ from the academic essay? Where do memoir writing and travel writing fit within the context of creative nonfiction? How is creative nonfiction similar to and different from fiction? To consider these questions, we will read examples of creative nonfiction, and engage in generative writing so that participants leave the workshop with their own CNF text.

    Apply here.


  • Literary Reading and Translation Workshop.

    Facilitator: Ray Ndebi.

    Time: 12.30 PM - 4.30 PM, Friday, 13th October 2023.

    Venue: Goethe-Institut Ghana.

    Open to signed-up participants only.

    About the Workshop: This workshop invites participants who have an interest in translation and critical reading of literature. The two part workshop will engage participant to help them gain proper skill to

    • Read to improve skills in writing
    • Read to improve skills in literary translation 3
    • Read to improve skills in analysis, editing, publishing.

    Apply here.


  • A Workshop on How To Write A Short Story.

    Facilitator: Anni Domingo.

    Time: 2.30 PM - 4.30 PM, Friday, 13th October 2023.

    Venue: Goethe-Institut Ghana.

    Open to signed-up participants only.

    About the Workshop: If you’re wondering how to write a short story I’m here to help.

    Short stories, and getting good at writing them, can actually set you up for success in other writing ventures as well. Short stories are to novels what TV episodes are to movies. They are a form of narrative writing that has all the same elements as novels—plot, character development, point of view, story structure, theme—but are delivered in fewer words. For many writers, short stories are a less scary way to dive into creative writing than trying to write a novel. This doesn’t mean writing short fiction is easy—it, like every other kind of writing, comes with its own unique challenges. This workshop has got tips for everything from coming up with short story ideas to fleshing out a plot, to getting your work published in literary magazines.

    Apply here.


  • Writing the Memoir.

    Facilitator: Mo Issa.

    Time: 10.10 AM - 11.10 AM, Saturday, 14th October 2023.

    Venue: Goethe-Institut Ghana.

    Open to signed-up participants only.

    About the Workshop: If you’re wondering how to write a short story I’m here to help.

    What goes into writing a memoir? How does a writer who set out to write a memoir navigate what to tell and filter out. Why should one write a memoir and where does one begin? This workshop seeks to take participants through all that they need to know when it comes to memoir and writing a memoir.

    Apply here.


  • "From Pen to Publish" - Independent Publishing Workshop

    Facilitator: Apiorkor.

    Time: 9.30 AM - 11.30 AM, Saturday, 14th October 2023.

    Venue: Goethe-Institut Ghana.

    Open to signed-up participants only.

    About the Workshop: This workshop is aimed at poets interested in publishing their work. The workshop will help participants understand Independent Publishing and explore the benefits and process of self-publishing for poets. The workshop will touch on Navigating Publishing Platforms, Crafting a Poetry Collection, Cover Design and Formatting as well as Legal Considerations on on copyright, distribution, and protecting creative work.

    Apply here.


  • Deep Dive -- Introduction to Verse Journalism

    Facilitator: Apiorkor.

    Time: 12.30 PM - 2.00 PM, Friday, 13th October 2023.

    Venue: British Council.

    Open to signed-up participants only.

    About the Workshop: Leave your inhibitions at the door and step into a world of artistic expression, as well as Social Justice, with Poet, Media Practitioner, TED Speaker and Activist, Apiorkor [Seyiram Ashong-Abbey]. After a performance to inspire your creativity, you'll be guided through a journey of written self-expression using a series of unorthodox prompts. Draw upon your lived experience and the things that you fear to speak up about to create Poetry, comment on social issues, document 21st Century culture and finish with an opportunity to share your work with your fellow creators of Verse Journalism.

    Apply here.


  • Picture Book Working: Writing and Illustration (virtual)

    Facilitators: “Ajet” Ajetunmobi and Blessing Tarfa

    Time: 9.30 AM - 11.30 AM, Sunday, 15th October 2023.

    Venue: Online. Link will be shared with registered participants.

    Open to signed-up participants only.

    About the Workshop: This workshop invites writers and illustrators to an interactive hands-on workshop that invites writers and illustrators to learn a few fundamentals in the craft while working on a project together. The workshop aims at introducing participants to unique approaches to storytelling in children's literature. Participants will benefit from topics like Character development, writing, editing, use of setting in storytelling, getting your picture book published and other useful topics while also exploring the benefits of collaboration.

    Apply here.

*Continuously Updated*

Friday 13th October 2023

Dramatised Reading of "Changes" by Ama Ata Aidoo Directed by Alice Johnson

Time: 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM.

Venue: Goethe-Institut/Courtyard


Saturday 14th October 2023

Smallgirl Rising. Presentation and Performance with MoAfrika wa Mokgathi, Itumeleng Qhali, and vangile gantsho.

Time: 3:10 PM to 4:10 PM.

Venue: Goethe-Institut/Berlin


Drama presentation: semi-staged vignettes from '54.60 Africa.' Femi Elufowoju jnr OBE and Alice Johnson

Time: 4:20 PM to 5:20 PM.

Venue: Goethe-Institut/Courtyard


Drama Presentation: Ama Ata Aidoo's Our Sister Killjoy. By Drama Queens

Time: 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM.

Venue: Goethe-Institut/Courtyard


Sunday 15th October 2023

Interrupted Dream: Extract from 15th century Dagbon play. By Abdul Raafi Mohammed.

Time: 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM.

Venue: Goethe-Institut/Hamburg


Solo Performance and Conversation: Diana Ferrus with Mamle Kabu and Pamela Nichols

Time: 5.30 PM to 6:30 PM.

Venue: Goethe-Institut/Inner Courtyard


*Continuously Updated*

Saturday 14th October 2023

Jollof in Ghana

Reading by Crystal Boateng

Time: 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Venue: Goethe-Institut/


Book Launch: The Proud Peacock and I Love Ghana

With Mariska Araba Taylor-Darko (author).

Time: 11:20 AM to 12:20 PM

Venue: Goethe-Institut/


"I Sea The Blue"

Readings, performance and exhibition by Drama Queens

Time: 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM.

Venue: Goethe-Institut/Inner Courtyard


Too Small Tola and the Three Fine Girls

Reading by Onyinye Owu

Time: 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

Venue: Goethe-Institut/


Illustration Class

Time: 3.10 PM PM to 4:00 PM.

Venue: Goethe-Institut/


Asantewaa: (Battle for the Golden Stool) 3D Animation by Mills Media

Time: 4.00 PM PM to 5:00 PM.

Venue: Goethe-Institut/


Sunday 15th October 2023

I'm Wrapped With Pride in my Kente

Reading by Jackie Owusu

Time: 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

Venue: Goethe-Institut/

*Continuously Updated*

Saturday 14th October 2023

Book Launch: The Proud Peacock and I Love Ghana

With Mariska Araba Taylor-Darko (author).

Time: 11:20 AM to 12:20 PM

Venue: Goethe-Institut/Abansoro


1. Selected Readings

With Tristan Hughes

Time: 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM.

Venue: Goethe-Institut/Hamburg


1. Selected Readings from the African Poetry Development Fund Chapbooks

Jay Kophy, Nikitta Dede Adjirakor, and Tawiah Naana Akua Mensah.Moderated by Sarpong Osei Asamoah.

Time: 1:40 PM to 2:40 PM.

Venue: Goethe-Institut/Berlin


1. Reading: Avenues By Train

With Farai Mudzingwa

Time: 2:50 PM to 3:50 PM.

Venue: Goethe-Institut/Berlin


2. Poetry Readings

With Babeth Fonchie Fotchind and and Margaret Chideme

Moderated by Obii Ifejika

Time: 2:50 PM to 3:50 PM.

Venue: Goethe-Institut/Koln


1. "The Long and the Short of It". Selected readings and perspectives on the short story genre

With Martin Egblewogbe, Kateryna Kalytko, andTristan Hughes.

Time: 3:10 PM to 4:10 PM.

Venue: Goethe-Institut/TBC


1. The World: A Family History.

Reading and Discussion with Simon Sebag Montefiore

Time: 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

Venue: Goethe-Institut/Courtyard


2. Daughter in Exile

Reading with Bisi Adjapon

Time: 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

Venue: Goethe-Institut/TBC


3. "Here and Now": Joint Reading Session with Moniack Mhor Fellows

Presented by Efe Paul Azino

Time: 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

Venue: Goethe-Institut/Munchen


1. The Slave Master of Trinidad: William Hardin Burnley and the Nineteenth-Century Atlantic World.

Professor Selwyn Cudjoe.

Time: 5:10 PM to 6:10 PM.

Venue: Goethe-Institut/Munchen


2. No One Dies Yet.

Kobby Ben Ben (author)

Moderated by Elizabeth Johnson Time: 5:10 PM to 6:10 PM.

Venue: Goethe-Institut/Berlin


1. Selected Readings (Poetry)

Yeow Kai Chai, Oksana Kutsenko and Efe Paul Azino.

Time: 6:20 PM to 7:20 PM.

Venue: Goethe-Institut/Munchen.


2. Selected Readings from "Relations: An Anthology of African and Diaspora Voices"

Nana Ekua Brew Hammond (Ed) , Boakyewaa Glover, Johnson Asunka and Ray Ndebi.

Time: 6:20 PM to 7:20 PM.

Venue: Goethe-Institut/TBC.


1. Selected Readings (Poetry)

Kateryna Kalytko and Nikitta Dede Adjirakor.

Time: 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM.

Venue: Goethe-Institut/Library.


2. Selected Poetry Readings in Dagaare and Ewe

Prof Dannabang Kuwabong and Prof Kofi Anyidoho.

Time: 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM.

Venue: Goethe-Institut/Inner Courtyard


Sunday 15th October 2023

New Ghanaian Voices in Fiction: Kwatemaa Tweneboah (The Kelewele Connection) and Kataru Yahya (Home is a Silhoette).

Time: 12:30 PM to 1:50 PM.

Venue: Goethe-Institut/Hamburg


Interrupted Dream: 15th Century Dagbon Verse Drama.

Abdul Raafi Mohammed

Time: 1:00 PM to 1:50 PM.

Venue: Goethe-Institut/Hamburg


Tales from The Road: The Experience of Travel and Writing

Wale Okediran and Kofi Akpabli

Time: 1:00 PM to 1:50 PM.

Venue: Goethe-Institut/Library


1. The Saga of a Kwatriot: Satire and Writing Incognito.

Professor Kwesi Yankah.

Time: 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

Venue: Goethe-Institut/Courtyard

Moderated by Dr Lloyd Amoah


2. From Britain to Bokoor: The Ghanaian Musical Journey of John Collins

Bertha Setor Adom (author) and Professor John Collins.

Moderated by Kobby Graham

Time: 2:00 PM to 3.00 PM.

Venue: FCA


3. Selected Readings (Poetry)

With Gerður Kristný and A'bena Awuku-Larbi. Moderated by Mamle Kabu.

Time: 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

Venue: Goethe-Institut/Library.


1. Selected Readings with

Yeayi Kobina Moderated by Dela Nyamuame

Time: 3:10 PM to 4:10 PM.

Venue: Goethe-Institut/Library


2. Book Launch and Selected readings.

The GA-TABOM: Peregrinos of Ghana Dr Abdulai Toyin Peregrino-Brimah

Time: 3:10 PM to 4:10 PM.

Venue: FCA


4. When The Person Who is Called COVID Came. Festival book launch and discussion.

Apiorkor

Time: 3:10 PM to 4:10 PM.

Venue: FCA


1. Expert in All Styles and Other Stories

With I. O. Echeruo..

Time: 4:20 PM to 5:20 PM.

Venue: Goethe-Institut/Munchen


2. Abolition

by Gabriel Gbadamosi..

Desk Reading by Abibigromma

Time: 4:20 PM to 5:20 PM.

Venue: FCA


Church of Poetry

Henneh Kyereh Kwaku , Pamilerin Jacob, Akpa Arinzechukwu and Jakky Bankong-Obi

Time: 4:20 PM to 5:20 PM.

Venue: X Spaces



1. The Illegitimate Prince.

Reading and discussion with Empi Baryeh.

Time: 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM.

Venue: Goethe-Institut/Munchen.


2. The Vagabonds.

Reading and discussion with Church of Poetry A'bena Awuku-Larbi .

Time: 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM.

Venue: FCA


3. The Angels of Cairo

Reading and discussion with Gary Raymond (author).

Time: 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM.

Venue: Goethe-Institut/Library

*Continuously Updated*

Friday 13th October 2023

Interconnections: Art and Culture in West Africa and the Caribbean.

Professor Selwyn Cudjoe in conversation with Professor Dannabang Kuwabong

Time: 6.20 PM to 7:20 PM.

Venue: Goethe-Institut/Courtyard


Saturday 14th October 2023

1. Censorship.

Panel discussion with Orthniel Forte, Patron Henekou, Sabata-mpho Mokae .

Time: 10:10 AM to 11:10 AM

Venue: Goethe-Institut/Library.


2. Read More Ghana - The Power of Literature and The Arts to Promote Inclusion.

With Elizabeth-Irene Baitie.

Time: 10:10 AM to 11:10 AM

Venue: Goethe-Institut/TBC.


3. Sub-Saharan Africa Literature and Publishing Sector

Presentation by Anietie Isong.

Time: 10:10 AM to 11:10 AM

Venue: Goethe-Institut/Munchen.


1. "Writing in Times of Conflict".

With Orthniel Forte and Kateryna Kalytko.

Time: 11:20 AM to 12:20 AM

Venue: Goethe-Institut/Library.


2."Using Comic Books to Tell African Stories".

With Elizabeth Wanjiku, Albert Tetteh and Jeffrey Abban.

Time: 11:20 AM to 12:20 PM

Venue: Goethe-Institut/TBC


3."Perspectives and Comparisons: Why and How I Write"

With Babeth Fonchie Fotchind, Elvira Bonaficio and Richeline Joe

Moderated by Hondred Percent

Time: 11:20 AM to 12:20 PM

Venue: Goethe-Institut/TBC


4. Literary Festivals: What do they do?

With Yeow Kai Chai, Martin Egblewogbe and Joeri Pharao and Patron Henekou

Time: 11:20 AM to 12:20 PM

Venue: Goethe-Institut/Hamburg


1. Creating Literary Spaces.

Panel discussion with Pamela Nichols, Mohammed Abdul Raafi Mohammed, Racheal Kizza and James Murua.

Moderated by Nana Ekua Brew Hammond

Time: 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM

Venue: Goethe-Institut/Library


2. Kanèval: Presentation and Interview.

With Anyele Perbi (Mrs)

Moderated by Sabukie Osabutey

Time: 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM

Venue: Goethe-Institut/Koln


3. Translations: The truth of the matter.

With Ray Ndebi, Oksana Kutsenko, Johnson Asunka

Time: 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM.

Venue: Goethe-Institut/Munchen


1. "54.60 Africa": Interview and Q&A.

With Femi Elufowoju jnr OBE (recently travelled to all 54 nations on the African Continent).

Moderated by Mamle Kabu

Time: 1:40 PM to 2:40 PM.

Venue: Goethe-Institut/Courtyard


2. Writing for young readers.

With Elizabeth-Irene Baitie, Nii Lante Lamptey, Oksana Kutsenko and Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond

Time: 1:40 PM to 2:40 PM.

Venue: Goethe-Institut/


3. Sci-Fi and Fantasy: Afrofuturism and African Mythology in Speculative Fiction and Storytelling.

With Jacob Osae, Kofi Dzogbewu, Ivana Akotowaa, and Ekow Manuar

Moderated by Nancy Henaku

Time: 1:40 PM to 2:40 PM.

Venue: Goethe-Institut/Hamburg


4. Echos der Brüderländer.

With Zohra Opoku and Desmond Aryee-Boi. Moderated by Ato Annan

Time: 1:40 PM to 2:40 PM.

Venue: FCA


1. Exploring the connection between Mythology and Contemporary Story-telling.

With Gerður Kristný and Chief Moomen.

Moderated by Mamle Kabu.

Time: 2:50 PM to 3:50 PM.

Venue: Goethe-Institut/Hamburg


2. Contemporary Art: Conversations about Access.

With With Jeff Atuobi Abbey-IT and Ama Benewaa Tawiah.

Time: 2:50 PM to 3:50 PM.

Venue: Goethe-Institut/Library


3. Writing Women in Contemporary Times.

With Frances Williams and and Nolwazi Nene.

Time: 2:50 PM to 3:50 PM.

Venue: Goethe-Institut/Courtyard


1. Art Writing from Africa: Its Place in Our Lives and Time.

With Ese Emmanuel and Yves Xavier Ndounda Ndongo.

Time: 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

Venue: Goethe-Institut/Library


1. Prose Choices: Fiction or Creative Nonfiction.

Presentation and Discussion with Audrey Shipp and David Agyei-Yeboah.

Time: 5:10 PM to 6:10 PM.

Venue: Goethe-Institut/Hamburg


2. Artificial Intelligence in Art and Literature

Discussion with Prof Ato Quayson, Mr Kwaku Sakyi-Addo, Mr Orthniel Forte

Time: 5:10 PM to 6:10 PM.

Venue: Goethe-Institut/Courtyard


3. The Slave Master of Trinidad: William Hardin Burnley and the Nineteenth-Century Atlantic World.

Discussion with Prof Selwyn Cudjoe .

Moderated by Aziza Atta.

Time: 5:10 PM to 6:10 PM.

Venue: Goethe-Institut/Munchen


1. Akom and the Literary Imagination.

With Kwame Brenya, Nana Danson and Anakwa Dwamena

Time: 6:20 PM to 7:20 PM.

Venue: Goethe-Institut/Hamburg.


2. Amedzro Etɔlia: Ewe book of the year.

With Agnes Titriku, Stephen Dziedzorm Dadugblor and G. Edzordzi Agbozo

Time: 6:20 PM to 7:20 PM.

Venue: Goethe-Institut/Koln; ZOOM.


3. Book Chat:

With Frances Williams adn Bisi Adjapon.

Time: 6:20 PM to 7:20 PM.

Venue: Goethe-Institut/Courtyard


1. Sharing the Experience of Wintertuin Curaçao Festival and Pa Gya!

Gabriel Awuah Manu, Richeline Joe, Elvira Bonafacio, Joeri Pharao and Nana Yaw Sarpong

Time: 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM.

Venue: Goethe-Institut/Berlin; ZOOM



Sunday 15th October 2023

BOOKSTAGRAM Ghana: Quiz and Review

Time: 12:30 PM to 1:50 PM.

Venue: Goethe-Institut/Berlin


The Narrative Landscape Story

Time: 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM.

Venue: Goethe-Institut/TBC



1. Stories From History:

Anni Domingo (author) , Breaking the Maafa Chain and Prof. Selwyn Cudjoe (author), The Remarkable Life of Philip Henry Douglin: A Caribbean Pan-Africanist.

Time: 2.00 PM to 3:00 PM

Venue: Goethe-Institut/Munchen


2. African traditional oral storytelling in modern times.

Pure Akan (Asɛm A Esii Kɔyɔbɛda), Nana Asaase and Kofi Dzogbewu

Time: 2.00 PM to 3:00 PM

Venue: Goethe-Institut/Berlin


1. Reading Romance as Self-Care.

With Empi Baryeh, Abena K. Karikari and Nana Adwoa T. Amponsah-Mensah.

Moderated by Apiorkor Seyram Ashong-Abbey

Time: 4.20 PM to 5:20 PM

Venue: Goethe-Institut/Munchen


2. "Tradition and Language in the Creative Arts"

With Prof Dannabang Kuwabong and Dr Asangba Reginald Taluah

Moderated by Kofi Dzogbewu

Time: 4.20 PM to 5:20 PM

Venue: Goethe-Institut/Hamburg


"Telling Tales: Of the Savannah, Hills and Plains"

Leonard Atawugeh Kubaloe in conversation with Dr Sarah Dorgbadzi

Moderated by Dr Bernard Akoi-Jackson

Time: 6.30 PM to 7:30 PM

Venue: Goethe-Institut/Courtyard

*Continuously Updated*

Saturday 14th October 2023

The KPiTiNGƐ Short Film Series by Dzomoko Productions.

The KPiTiNGƐ Short Film Series is a project that was put together to encourage young Ghanaian writers to venture into writing for film. For the year 2021, submissions were focused on the theme, “Domestic and Sexual Violence”. The three films explore abuse and violence in different forms and degrees in our day to day lives. They also explore the relationship between children and guardians and how these relationships have an impact on people as they grow.

Movie rating: Adult.

Time: 2:50 PM to 5:00 PM

Venue: FCA


Asantewaa: (Battle for the Golden Stool) by Mills Media.

3D Animation

Cast: Nana Ama McBrown, Tendai Okraku

In Asantewaa; the legendary story of the first queen and female warrior of the Asante Kingdom, and how she defended both her kingdom and its sacred unifying symbol, the Golden Stool, is told. Following the capture and banishment of the Nana Agyeman Prempeh I, Nana Yaa Asantewaa assumed the role of queen mother. She continued to rule as Queen and helped foster the Kingdom's expansion until one day she had an unexpected visitor -- Governor Sir Frederick Mitchell Hodgson requesting the Golden Stool. This demand caused dread to spread throughout the kingdom because the British had already captured the majority of the Asante's strong men including the King. The men's unwillingness to engage in combat infuriated Asantewaa, who later decided to mobilize the women to fight by her side with empowerment from the earth Goddess - Assaseyaa. Motivated by Asantewaa’s words and will to die for the land even as a woman, the men later joined thefight. Fearless Asantewaaa quickly organized and fortified the Asante army for the battlefield, where they combat the British army and were ultimately victorious. But the fight for the golden stool, has just begun as other nations kept fighting back for the stool.

Movie rating: Universal.

Time: TBC

Venue: TBC


Sunday 15th October 2023

The Abena Korantemaa Oral History Prize 2023: Award Ceremony

Time: 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM.

Venue: Goethe-Institut/Courtyard

On-going throught the festival

Ɔwɔ ma otse. Ama Ata Aidoo: An inimitable legacy.

Ama Ata Aidoo was an unsurmountable giant in the world of literature; an unrelenting voice in advocacy for women; and an unstoppable Pan-Africanist. The impact her solid legacy is far reaching and this tells in the expanse in translations of her literary work; photographs; thenumerous videos, films and documentaries that exist on her output and the general familiarity that is evoked when the topics that she broached come up for discussion.

This exhibition titled: “Ɔwɔ ma otse. Ama Ata Aidoo: An inimitable legacy” materializes through the collaborative effort of The Writers Project of Ghana (WPG), Foundation for Contemporary Art (FCA, Ghana), Ama Ata Aidoo’s family and blaxTARLINES KUMASI at the Department of Painting and Sculpture, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi within the context of “Pa Gya” a literary festival in Accra. In a variety of gestures, interventions and discursive engagements, samples of Ama Ata Aidoo’s work in the forms of published books, interviews, documented enactments of her work are put on show in her memory. The phrase “Ɔwɔ ma otse” in Fante, communicates a certain sense of rarity; a uniqueness; an inimitability that is most characteristic of Ama Ata Aidoo’s one-of-a-kind legacy.

A specific feature of this exhibition is the screening of the film: “Certain Winds from the South,” an audio-visual adaptation of one of Ama Ata Aidoo’s short stories from form her 1970 collection of short stories, titled “No Sweetness here.” Produced by Medupe Films, and directed by Eric Gyamfi, the film is an interpretation of the eponymous short story from the collection. Through conversations and reflections from both characters and others, the makers of the film uncover a vicious cycle of inequality that threatens the already precarious lives of the characters.


Opening: Friday 13 th October, 2023

Closing: 31 st November, 2023

Screening of “Certain Winds from the South” (running time: approx.: 0:40:00)

Sunday 15 th October, 2023

Venue: Foundation for Contemporary Art, FCA, Ghana, W.E.B. Dubois Centre, Cantonments, Accra.

Curatorial input: Adwoa Amoah, Ato Annan, Bernard Akoi-Jackson.

Ama Atta Aidoo’s family liaison: Kinna Likimani, Josephine Obenewaa Gyimah

Medupe Films: Eric Gyamfi, Moshood Balogun.

Ɔwɔ ma otse. Ama Ata Aidoo: An inimitable legacy.

Exhibition and Panel

Echos der Brüderländer

In response to the broader research project titled “Echos der Brüderländer”, a three-year multidisciplinary constellation of projects exploring the complex relations between the German Democratic Republic (GDR) and its so-called “brother countries” in non-European cultures, "Open Archives GH" presents a panel conversation that explores these relationships on the foundations of education, art and family ties within the context of "Pa Gya! A Literary Festival in Accra".

Panelists: Zohra Opoku, Desmond Aryee-Boi, Moderated by Ato Annan.

Date: Saturday, October 14, 2023

Time: 1.40 PM - 2.40 PM

Venue: Foundation for Contemporary Art, FCA, Ghana

W.E.B. Dubois Centre, Cantonments, Accra.

This event is in the framework of the project Echos der Bruderländer, taking place at Haus der Kulturen der Welt (HKW), in cooperation with Foundation for Contemporary Art-Ghana (FCA-Ghana).

Research input: Elizabeth Johnson, Ato Annan, Kwasi Ohene-Ayeh


The Ghana Literary Exhibition

As part of the Book Booth project, The Ghana Literary Exhibition highlights and showcases Ghanaian Literature mainly fiction with theatre and poetry from 1911 to 1980s with special addition of books from the early 90s worth highlighting. While the exhibition does not fully capture the richness of Ghanaian literature, it highlights works by Ghanaian writers to widen the discourse and highlight the diversity in Ghanaian Literature shifting focus away from the go to names in Ghanaian literature.

In addition, the exhibition highlights selected Ghanaian British writer Frances Mensah Williams with an audio installation of an excerpt from her novel, Imperfect Arrangements. A selected showcase of books by contemporary Ghanaian-British writers is also in the exhibition. The Book Booth is sponsored by the British Council UK and Cheltenham Literary Festival and is a project by Elizabeth Johnson co- curated by Rosemary Esinam Damalie, The Writers Project and FCA-GH. As part of Pa Gya! A literary Festival in Accra, it is showing at the Foundation for Contemporary Arts and closes on the 31st of November 2023.


Moon Girls Comic Exhibition: Origin Stories.

Moongirls is a graphic novel series that follow the adventures of four women superheroes who are fighting for an Africa free from patriarchy, corruption, rape culture, environmental destruction. Following the previous exhibition at Pagya! featured comic art from Seasons 1 and 2 in 2019, this year's Exhibition features comic art from the newest Season 3, released in 2023. Season 3 of Moongirls, dubbed Moongirls: Origin Stories, delves into African folklore and creation stories - origin stories of the human race, origin stories of ancient African civilizations, origin stories of ancient African social systems, and weaved into these will be the origin stories of the Moongirls. Moongirls won the Nommo Award for Best Graphic Novel (2021) by the African Speculative Fiction Society.


Book Walk by Mmofra Foundation

Mmofra Foundation brings you African-themed picture books in large format which are designed to be experienced in public spaces as readers of all ages walk from page to page. Children soon see that reading and learning can also take place outside classroom settings. This Literacy in Public Space project is supported by Sarah Warren, Catherine Urdahl, Friends of Mmofra, Healthbridge, and the Foundation for Contemporary Art - Ghana with the permission of book authors and publishers and features Suma Went Walking by Nana Dadson. (English and Ga editions), City Sounds by Kathy Knowles and Gizo Gizo by Emily Williamson with Students and Teachers of the Hassaniya Quoranic School in Cape Coast Ghana. The exhibitions are showing at the festival venues ; Goethe Institut and Foundation for Contemporary Arts.


I Sea The Blue Exhibition - Drama Queens.

I Sea The Blue is a Graphic Novel and Zine that was produced as part of a project to spotlight people’s emotional connections to the sea.The Graphic Novel is titled “Aku and the Journey of Turtle Spirits”. It is a fictional story about a young girl who sets out to right some wrongs (done to the sea and nature) in her community. It is a 16 page piece that is illustrated with vibrant and colourful images that bring the words to life. The exhibition and launch of I Sea The Blue at Pa Gya! festival is to introduce it to the local and international literary community as a source material for fiction and non-fiction work around the emotional connections that people share with the sea.