Can Ghana talk its way back to reading?

In Ghana's capital, Accra, a number of book clubs have emerged, offering a solution to the common lament of adults struggling to read as much as they once did, especially in the age of screens and distractions. These clubs, such as Just Read Book Club, Bibliophiles and Vibes, Noname Book Club, and Between the Covers, provide a space for members to read together and then share their thoughts.

With over 26.3 million Ghanaians online by October 2025, the allure of screens is undeniable. Recognizing this, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, and the Ghana Library Authority have all called for renewed efforts to instill a reading habit among the youth.

One such initiative is Unplugged & Reconciled, a gathering in Accra that has been running since March 2025. The club's success lies in its ability to dissolve the distance between emerging writers and established authors, placing them face-to-face. This creates an opportunity for young adults to learn from seasoned professionals, and in turn, encourages them to view their own writing as a gift to humanity.

Moreover, the club transforms passive listeners into active participants by allowing attendees to share their own stories on stage. The event has successfully cultivated a strong community, with a majority of participants reporting new connections.

Historically, Ghanaian literary culture has been shaped by influential figures. Efua Sutherland, a pioneer in the field, founded the Ghana Society of Writers and Okyeame journal in 1960. The journal featured early works by renowned Ghanaian writers such as Kofi Awoonor, Ayi Kwei Armah, and Ama Ata Aidoo. Sutherland's theatre was deeply rooted in the Akan tradition of Ananse storytelling, where the distinction between teller and listener blurs.

Unplugged & Reconciled seeks to bridge this gap by reestablishing this indigenous convention for modern Ghanaian literary life.