African literature should not die – Samira Bawumia

The Second Lady, Samira Bawumia has charged the youth to inculcate the habit of reading and writing so as to project African literature and the continent as a whole.

Speaking at the launch of investigative journalist, Manasseh Azure’s book, ‘Letters To My Wife’, Wednesday, Mrs. Bawumia indicated that the current generation is not fond of reading, a situation which poses a threat to the history of Africa.

“African literature should not be allowed to age and die with the likes of Efua Sutherland, Ama Ata Aidoo, Chinua Achebe and a host of aging literally giants… These writers chronicled the history of Africa’s colonization, our independence struggle and our sense for self-identity. The life of the contemporary African in the 21st century and our place in the global village must be told in both fiction and non-fiction. Nobody can tell our story better than ourselves.

“The culture of reading seems to be dying and to me there is no significant difference between a person who has never been to school and an educated person who does not read,” she noted.

The book which was launched at Christ the King Parish hall in Accra is a collection of letters the investigative journalist wrote to an imaginary wife, Serwaa, before he eventually wedded Rebecca Eduafo-Abraham. Mrs Bawumia who was the special guest lauded Manasseh Azuri for putting together a book full of lessons.

“I’m particularly intrigued by the book, ‘Letters to My Future Wife’ because of a number of reasons. Manasseh is a very good storyteller who uses everyday experiences to creatively tell compelling stories about the means of life and its intricacies. Even if you disagree with the content, you are still entertained by the writer’s dexterity and the quality of what you read. I also find this publication interesting because of the enormous lessons it presents to its readers. This book contains lessons for the single and the married, the young and the old, the naïve and experienced as well as any open-minded person who is ready to learn from the experiences of others.” she stated.