Ghana Association of Writers (GAW) Western Region Branch The Year 2015 in Review Summary GAW maintained a strong profile in the year under review, but that was possible through strong links with other organisations in the Region. The Association collaborated with the Centre for national Culture and the Twin-City Radio for literary activities. The Centre remains the location for the Association’s monthly meetings and other literary activities. Additionally, the Director, Mr. Stephen Sedofu, participated in all activities of the Association. Mr. Kwame Malcolm, the then News Anchor of Twin-City Radio regularly featured the Association in discussions relating to literacy and other educational activities. Other radio stations in the city featured the Association intermittently. Under the patronage of Nana Koomson, the Methodist Day Senior High School, Sekondi, was the best participating school in GAW’s activities Thus activities spanned literary activities, mentoring, regular monthly meetings, and radio programmes. A proposed book fair had to be rescheduled for 2016. Highlights of the Year There were some highlights: • GAW National organized a writing workshop through the Regional Branch. It was attended by local GAW members, the Regional Writers’ Guild, The Regional Film Writers’ Association. A cross-section of participants; GAW member in smock, 3rd right Methodist Day students in the left back; N. Koomson in smock, front row. The Resource Person explaining a point • Members paid a courtesy call on Nana Kwabena Nketsia V, the Omanhene of Essikado, who encouraged the Association to take its social responsibility of sensitizing the youth to the crucial importance of reading very seriously. The visit created an opportunity for the Association to interact with the local media stations which covered the visit. • The Association organised a Literary Soirée to mark the World Literacy Day. The Guest of honour was Nana Kwabena Nketsia V of Essikado. Nana Nketsia stressed that literacy skills should be developed into good reading and strong analytical skills which can liberate individuals from the psychological dependency syndrome. He was nostalgic for the days when literary activities attracted droves of patrons, regardless of the distances they had to cover in order to share in intellectual exchanges. Nana Nketsiah urged the audience to cultivate appreciation for the mother tongue in order to appreciate their roots, cultural worldview. Nana Nketsia demonstrating a point during his speech On the programme was a colloquium on reading and writing and the relevance of language to the development of an individual. GAW Rep for the Region facilitated the discussion. The panellists were Nii Lantey Cleland, former Director of Ghana Education Service, Western Region, Mr. Kwame Malcolm, then News Anchor, Twin-City Radio and Mr. Edward Howard, an accountant from the Takoradi Flour Mills. Whilst Nii Lantey offered the educationist’s perspective on the role of language, Mr. Malcolm spoke for the media and Mr. Howard offered an industrial perspective on the preparedness of the contemporary graduate for the job market. Also present was Mr. Jamson, then of NCCE, who encouraged all, especially parents, to speak the mother tongue with children, because that helps a child to develop a true identity in life. Mr. Jamson bewailed the poor patronage of literary activities in the Region. He proposed that the Association, through collaboration with the schools, should institute a Regional Literacy Day which should be scheduled when school is in session so that the school authorities can mobilise their students for effective literacy activities. His proposal was accepted by all. The First Regional Literacy Day will take place in October or November 2016 The closing speech was given by the Vice Rector of Takoradi Polytechnic, Mr. Emmanuel Okumi- Andoh, who praised the Association for its efforts to stimulate reading among the public, especially the youth. He reiterated the appeal to read texts in both mother tongue and English. Left. Vice Rector of Takoradi Polytechnic delivering his address. On his right is Mr. Jamson L-R Colloquium Panellists: Facilitator, Nii Lantey, K. Malcolm, E. Howard . A cross-section of the audience 1st row: Left-R S. Sedofu, CNC Director, D. Letsa, GAW Member S. Sedofu in a short skit to emphasise the dangers of illiteracy GAW Rep. thanking participants Members meet on the last Wednesday of the month, at 3pm, at the centre for national Culture. The Methodist Day Senior High School, under the patronage of Nana Koomson, was the most regular participating school. The school can boast of dedicated students who are seriously exploring different genres of writing. Their enthusiasm offers hope for reading and writing in the country. The Association doffs its hat to a number of individuals who have invested their time and other resources for the sake of the Association. The immediate past Regional Director of GBC. Mr. Coffie Nyadi collaborated with the Association and featured it regularly on its programmes. Between 2013 and 2015, Twin-City Radio championed literary activities. Mr. Kwame Malcolm was the News Anchor who promoted GAW most in the Region; He also regularly participated in GAW activities. Mr. Stephen Sedofu of CNC graciously continues to play host to GAW in all literacy activities. By putting the Centre at GAW’s disposal, he saves the association a huge expense in rent. Dr. Dzidefo Letsa was the most supportive member. Nana Koomson has been a strong patron for his school. He mobilises his students so enthusiastically for literacy activities. If all languages teachers invested just as much in literacy activities, our students would be effective communicators. It is always refreshing to interact with young ones who show so much enthusiasm for reading and writing in the age of alliteracy. Their zeal implies that all is not lost where the young is concerned. Nii Lantey Cleland deserves a special mention for his ready assistance when GAW calls. The Association expresses heartfelt gratitude to Nana Kwabena Nketsia V for his patronage. He managed to accommodate us despite his numerous duties. He travelled from Cape Coast to Takoradi to honour GAW’s invitation on World Literacy Day. He shared his rich experience with members. It is impossible to mention all and sundry who have demonstrated goodwill towards GAW. On behalf of the Association, I offer a heartfelt appreciation to all who contributed diversely to keep the Association on its feet these past three years. We thank you now, even as we desire opportunity to thank you all again for your generosity in the times ahead. Compiler: Dinah Serwaa Amankwah GAW Rep. Western Region Lecturer, Communication Skills Takoradi Polytechnic Takoradi