GAW schools outreach gets to Koforidua

The campus of Oyoko Methodist School near Koforidua became the hub of entertaining literary activity when  hundreds of students gathered there to celebrate the launch of the Ghana Association of Writers Schools Outreach Programme (GAWSOP) last Saturday.

The programme aims at restoring the culture of reading in order to unearth hidden literary talents among students at the second cycle level. This, it is hoped, will help raise the falling standard in the use of the English language.

Again the programme will prepare the students for future literary achievements. GAWSOP not only aims at improving writing but also increasing the number of good Ghanaian writers.

The outreach programme was conducted against the background of brass band music provided by the host school, after which various student groups performed dances, poetry and drama to the delight of the audience.

In attendance were some members of the Ghana Association of Writers (GAW) from Accra.
In a speech to launch the event, Nana Nketiah, who represented Dasebre Oti Boateng, Paramount Chief of the New Juabeng Traditional Area, challenged Ghanaian writers to write in their local languages.

‘‘One’s language is second nature and that is the best medium to self-express,” he stated.

Nana Nketiah urged Ghanaian students to develop their literary skills in order to replace the older generation of Ghanaian writers such as Ama Atta Aidoo, Kofi Anyidoho and Ayi Kwei Armah.

At the event the Ghana Education Service (GES) pledged its support to ensure that the GAW initiative takes root across all schools in the country.

Madam Angela Ahunu Donkor, who represented the Eastern Regional Office GES, said a good literary culture was essential for the all-round development of the individual student.

A highlight of the programme was when patrons of the various schools received their certificates of enrolment. Senior High schools that participated included New Abirem, Nkwatia Presby, St Fidelis, Achiase, Okuapemman and Yilo Krobo.

The Koforidua launch was the third in a series. Volta, Central and Western regions have already been inaugurated.