The EU held a preliminary panel discussion on “Promoting African Literature on the European Market” at the EU Ambassador’s Residence. There, Ghanaian moderator Dr Martin Egblewogbe had an insightful debate on how to promote African writers on the international stage, with panelists Othniel Forte (Liberia), Amara Chukwu Chimeka (Nigeria) and Maame Aba Daisie (Ghana). Raphael Thierry from French publishing house Présence Africaine joined online. The EU also invited several African and European writers to attend other sessions of the Pa Gya! Festival, including Beata Umubyeyi Mairesse (Rwanda/France), Dr Eghosa Imasuen (Nigeria) and Molara Wood (Nigeria).

The EU decided to support Pa Gya! this year in aim to give it a bigger international touch, especially in the context of Accra’s nomination as the UNESCO World Capital of Books 2023. Deputy Ambassador, Pieter Smidt Van Gelder, emphasized that “We want to promote Ghanaian and African literature in Europe and European literature here. And we also want to support African writers to promote their works within their own continents – despite the language barriers that exist”.

Beyond this literature festival, the EU is supporting Ghana’s cultural and creative industries more widely, as well as Ghanaian heritage – like last month’s EU heritage photography competition. In addition to supporting events like Pa Gya!, the EU and EU Member States will also contribute to strengthening the Ghanaian Culture, Arts and Tourism sector in the long-term, by supporting access to finance, training, and opportunities for networking and visibility.