By Jibril Abdul Mumuni
Accra, Oct. 9, GNA– Organisers of the Pa Gya Literary Festival say the 10th edition of the festival seeks to bridge the visibility gap for Ghanaian authors and creatives.
Mr Martin Egblewogbe, Festival Director, said many local authors continue to struggle for visibility despite producing works that reflect the country’s rich culture, history and contemporary realities.
Speaking at the launch of the 10th edition of the festival in Accra, Mr Egblewogbe said one of the key objectives of the annual literary gathering was to provide a platform for Ghanaian and African writers to showcase their works to wider audiences.
According to him, many talented writers across the country remain relatively unknown, while foreign authors often enjoy greater recognition and market access.
“The challenge is not the absence of good stories. Ghana has remarkable writers and storytellers. The challenge is ensuring that those stories are seen, read and appreciated both locally and internationally,” he said.
Mr Egblewogbe noted that the festival had, over the past decade, worked to connect writers with publishers, readers, booksellers, academics and other stakeholders within the literary ecosystem.
He said strengthening such networks was essential to helping Ghanaian authors build sustainable careers and expand their reach beyond national borders.
The Festival Director observed that literature played a critical role in preserving Ghana’s cultural identity and documenting the experiences of its people.
He therefore urged government agencies, corporate organisations and development partners to invest more in literary initiatives and publishing activities to help nurture emerging talents.
Also speaking at the launch, Ms Malgorzata (Margo) Pitura, Programme Officer at the European Union Delegation to Ghana, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting cultural and creative industries in Ghana.
She said literature and storytelling remained powerful tools for promoting dialogue, cultural exchange and social development.
According to Ms Pitura, the creative sector offered significant opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship and job creation, particularly among young people.
She said the EU’s partnership with the festival reflected its recognition of the important role culture plays in national development.
The 10th edition of the Pa Gya Literary Festival is expected to bring together writers, publishers, literary enthusiasts, academics and cultural practitioners from Ghana and beyond for a series of discussions, book readings, workshops and performances.
The festival is scheduled to run from October 16 to 18, 2026.
Key events include documentary screening, workshops, masterclasses and performances.
Pa Gya! A Literary Festival in Accra is a three-day literary arts festival organised by the Writers Project of Ghana in partnership with the Goethe-Institut Ghana and the Foundation for Contemporary Art (FCA), Ghana.
The name “Pa Gya!” is a Twi expression, meaning “to lift up” or “to strike a flame” and reflects the festival’s aim of igniting passion for the literary arts.
First held in 2017, the festival has grown into one of Ghana’s most significant literary gatherings, bringing together writers, publishers, booksellers, poets, academics, artists and literary enthusiasts from Ghana and beyond for book readings, launches, panel discussions, performances, exhibitions, film screenings and workshops.
The 2026 edition, scheduled for October 16-18 at the Goethe-Institut Ghana and FCA in Cantonments, Accra, will be the 10th anniversary edition.
It is expected to feature over 80 writers and speakers from Ghana and at least 13 other countries, with more than 70 events, including masterclasses and a book market.
GNA
Reporter: Jibril Abdul Mumuni
Edited by Samuel Osei-Frempong