11/11/2025
GAW Literary Legend’s Evening: Message from the EU Delegation in Ghana’s Representative:
Good evening, Prof. Zikpuitor Ladé Wosornu, the Literary Legend of Focus today,
Mr Gideon Aryeequaye, CEO, Creative Arts Agency,
Mr Fio Richardson Commey, Special Aide to the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Dr. Wale Okediran, Secretary-General, Pan African Writers Association, Members of the Diplomatic Community;
Dear partners and representatives of Civil Society and Government;
Dear friends in the Creative Industries and Media;
Dear Students and Esteemed Guests, I am pleased to be here to represent the EU Ambassador to Ghana, His Excellency Rune Skinnebach, at this GAW Literary Legend’s Evening. It has become a tradition for us to support the literature sector, as we believe in the power of literature and poetry.
EU’s support for the sector goes beyond mere admiration for artistic endeavor. Literature and literary festival festivals have the power to amplify voices, nurture talent, and elevate communities — both socially and economically.
Literature is an important feature in all our lives—often we simply don’t even realize. From the earliest days of our education, to our exploration of other cultures, and self-development, literature offers a compass in our development, and helps to bridge communities, countries and continents. We are convinced that with our support to the literary arts, we encourage connections across communities, cultures and languages. That is the beauty of books, of poetry - it resonates to different people in different places, and often shares important values and messages about tolerance, inclusion, or the daily struggles and beauty of life.
We want to encourage cross-cultural discussion that promotes literature beyond national and linguistic borders. We want to promote Ghanaian and African literature in Europe and African and European literature here in Ghana. We also support African writers to promote their works within their own continent and beyond it.
The EU in Ghana also supports the cultural and creative sectors for its importance to economic growth. Culture has the power to rejuvenate the local economy, spur tourism, and create opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship.
Beyond this festival, the EU supports Ghana’s literature sector and creative industries more widely, with access to finance, training, and opportunities for networking and visibility.
This autumn, we launch two new EU-funded programmes in Ghana: the 1st one is on ‘Green’ Digital, Inclusive Private Sector Development’; the 2nd one is ‘Sankofa 2, a programme looking at Culture and Heritage.
Earlier this year we launched a big regional programme called the ‘Africa-Europe Partnerships on Culture’. The programme supports the African creative sector’s capacity enhancement, and international exposure. It offers exciting opportunities for culture and creative professionals.
Let there be no doubt—our main goal is to ensure that arts and culture and heritage can be enjoyed by all. Arts and Literature are not only for the benefit of the few, but should be accessible to Ghanaian society as a whole – including its young people.
Let’s remember about this as we celebrate the 2025 African Writers’ Day and the literary legacy of Prof. Zikpuitor Ladé Wosornu today.
