The Second Lady Mrs. Amissah-Arthur has called on both the young and old to inculcate the habit of reading and writing because a reading nation is an informed nation, publicly expressing her worry of low reading habit among Ghanaians especially the youth.
Mrs. Amissah-Arthur made the statement when she launched a book titled “Wahala Dey” authored by 14-year-old Audrey Obuobisa-Darko of the University of Ghana Basic School as her second book after “The Magic Basket” at the Pan-African Writers Association (PAWA) House, near the traffic lights between Accra Girls SHS and the Ridge School at Roman Ridge.
She called on the young ones to emulate the work of their colleague and said she is a friend of children so is always happy when she sees children excel in the area of writing; so the need to encourage the little ones to learn to read and write.
The Special Guest of Honour, Professor Stephen Adei, former Rector of GIMPA, who was the guest speaker encouraged the youth to take their lessons seriously so as to become future leaders of Ghana and beyond; adding that he has read Audrey’s book throughout, something he describes as a magnificent piece and called on all the youth to read.
Wahala Dey is a multi-setting novel as the protagonist, Felicia Amoah, is found at various places observing, doing or being affected by one thing or another. The story begins with a school setting.
Then, it talks about Felicia’s home and family, her admission to a psychiatric hospital, her return to school, and her work at a filling station in Accra, her stay at her friend’s house, her work with a company, Cozy Bridals, her rented house and ends with her stay back at her friend’s house.
Some of the personalities who graced the occasion at the launch included Professor Atukwei Okai, President of Pan African writers Association, Professor Florence Abena Dolphyne, former Pro-Vice Chancellor, University of Ghana, Professor Kofi Agyekum, a Former Head of the Department of Linguistics at the University of Ghana; Dr Perpetual Dadzie, President of the Ghana Library Association, parent and pupils from the University of Ghana basic school.