In a bold stride to nurture literary creativity and promote cultural consciousness, Management of Holy Family Senior High School at Hamile in the Lambussie District in the Upper West Region of Ghana, organized an inspiring literary session for its students.
The event, which was held at the school’s Assembly Hall on November 12, 2025, was themed “Promoting African Literature: Exploring Creative Writing and Decolonising Northern Narratives Through Storytelling.” Among other things, it sought to spotlight the power of African stories and how creative writing can serve as a tool for preserving identity, wisdom, and heritage.
Facilitating the session was Ishmael Junourgh — a celebrated writer, researcher, and cultural advocate whose works explore indigenous wisdom and Northern Ghanaian identity. He shared with students and staff his experiences as a writer and offered practical insights into how one can develop the craft of writing.
According to Rev. Fr. Alexander Bedekuru Nmaninyin, Headmaster of Holy Family Senior High School, the inspiration behind hosting the event stemmed from a growing concern about the loss of traditional values in society.
“Certain values have been lost in our culture,” he observed, “and I find it necessary to inculcate values of human dignity, respect, discipline, and love for God and neighbor in my learners.”
He emphasized the need to use culture and language as tools for decolonization, noting that it is essential to revive the self-consciousness of the youth about their heritage. Citing an African proverb, he said, “No matter how long a log lies in water, it can never become a crocodile,” stressing that Africans must remain intentional about their socio-cultural identity.
For many students, the encounter with Junourgh was deeply inspiring. Bernard Kogkane, the Senior Prefect, described the author’s story of humble beginnings and perseverance as “a lesson in resilience and hope.” He added, “This engagement taught me that everything is achievable through hard work and determination.”
Aagyeredohfo Juliet, the Girls’ Prefect, who expressed a strong passion for writing, said the program had rekindled her dream to pursue journalism.
“As someone who loves writing, I found his talk very inspiring,” she said. “It has motivated me to read more books and learn about storytelling.”
According to the Headmaster, the program was part of the school’s broader vision to inspire young writers to reclaim and redefine African narratives from within their own cultural contexts.
This initiative reflects Holy Family Senior High School’s commitment to academic excellence, cultural education, and creativity. By creating platforms for dialogue with leading African thinkers and writers, the school continues to empower students to think critically, write purposefully, and celebrate their heritage with pride.
Source: www.Kumasimail.com /Bamie Tahir-Ahmed
