Three Ghanaian authors to represent country at Sharjah International Book Fair

Three Ghanaian authors - Oswald Okaitei, Elizabeth-Irene Baitie, and Ruby Goka - have been chosen to represent Ghana at the upcoming 2026 Sharjah International Book Fair in the United Arab Emirates. This marks the first time Ghana will participate in the fair, which will take place from November 4 to 15, 2026. The participating authors have been selected for their established status in the literary field and their potential to attract investment, create opportunities, and build networks for the Ghanaian book industry.

The Consulate of Ghana in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, with support from BOST Energies, are spearheading the country's representation at the fair. The three chosen authors have previously represented Ghana at Storymoja, one of Africa's most prestigious literary festivals in Kenya. At the Sharjah International Book Fair, they will exhibit their works, participate in sessions, and host a special Ghana Book Reading session at a location in Sharjah.

Ruby Goka is a talented Ghanaian author of children's and young adult novels. Her works have been published in several countries, including Ghana, Nigeria, the USA, the UK, Italy, and Brazil, with a forthcoming Japanese edition. Her stories vividly portray Ghana, making them appealing to a global readership. Goka's literary achievements include winning the Macmillan Writer's Prize for Africa for her first children's book, A Saint in Brown Sandals, and receiving first prize in the Burt Award for African Literature for The Twelfth Heart and The Dorm Challenge.

She has also been recognized with the Burt Award for Rattling in the Closet and The Lion's Whisper. Additionally, her middle-grade novels, Crossing the Stream and Flying Up the Mountain, received starred reviews from Kirkus Reviews and were honored by the Children's Africana Book Award in 2022 and 2024, respectively.

Oswald Okaitei is a Ghanaian poet, spoken-word artist, playwright, and literary activist. His creative journey began in his childhood when he appeared on Ghana's popular children's storytelling program, By the Fireside. Known for his thought-provoking poetry, dramatic performances, and works exploring African identity, Pan-Africanism, history, social justice, and cultural heritage, Okaitei has represented Ghana at various international literary festivals.

He continues to promote reading culture, literary development, and the promotion of Ghanaian literature through his creative expression and advocacy. By using literature as an instrument for cultural preservation, social transformation, and national consciousness, Okaitei aims to strengthen the Ghanaian book industry and connect Ghanaian authors with the international literary community.