‘My life came down to 50 pesewas after quitting my white-collar job for poetry’ – Nana Asaase
Ghanaian poet and writer Nana Asaase has recounted how his decision to leave a well-paying public relations job to pursue poetry left him facing financial uncertainty, with his bank balance eventually dropping to just 50 pesewas.
Once a corporate professional in Ghana, Nana Asaase made a life-altering decision to abandon his white-collar job in pursuit of a career in poetry. This choice left him grappling with financial instability, eventually seeing his bank account dwindle to just 50 pesewas. The Ghanaian poet, speaking on The Career Trail program on Joy Learning TV and Joy News, explained that his decision was fueled by his belief that poetry was his calling.
After graduating from the University of Ghana, he worked in public relations and journalism, but his passion for poetry persisted. The turning point came when he accepted a poetry performance gig, which paid three times his usual salary, sparking his belief that his talent could sustain him. However, the financial reality hit soon after his resignation when he had only GH¢100 in his bank account, and it plummeted to GH¢50 after a car repair.
Despite these hardships, Nana Asaase remained steadfast in his commitment to poetry for five years. Even during a performance at the Ephraim Amu Centenary celebration, where he received only GH¢10, he made the most of it, buying kenkey and fish. A significant breakthrough occurred when he was contacted by OSJ Consult, leading to major performance opportunities, including RLG's end-of-year party and Ecobank Transnational's 25th anniversary celebration.
Over the past twelve years, Nana Asaase has found perseverance to be key, even as his journey in poetry continues to unfold.
Written by urgent.news from MyJoyOnline Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
