New Book Series by Nana Achampong Set to Stir Ghana’s Literary and Creative Arts Space

Ghanaian author and lecturer at the African University of Communications and Business (AUCB), Nana Achampong, has launched a thought-provoking trio of books, adding significant momentum to Ghana’s growing literary and creative arts space.

The launch, held in Accra, marked the first tranche of his upcoming book series—each title offering a fresh lens on identity, society, and governance. The event was not only a celebration of Achampong’s literary prowess but also a clarion call for renewed investment in Ghana’s creative industry, particularly in the publishing ecosystem.

The three titles—The Mystery of the Treasure Keeper, A Taste of the Serpent’s Kiss, and One Stone, One Bride, and a Zombie—reflect a rich blend of social commentary, political critique, and philosophical inquiry.

• The Mystery of the Treasure Keeper traces the journey of an African immigrant in the U.S., navigating cultural dislocation and identity.

• A Taste of the Serpent’s Kiss boldly confronts Ghana’s political system, advocating structural reform and civic awakening.

• One Stone, One Bride, and a Zombie explores fate, agency, and the interconnectedness of human actions in a deeply metaphorical style.

The launch of these books is seen by many in the literary community as a significant boost for Ghana’s creative writing sector, which continues to grapple with systemic challenges. Achampong, however, did not shy away from addressing these obstacles. He decried the poor state of the country’s publishing value chain, describing it as a major barrier to literary productivity and innovation.

“As a writer, you’re expected to do everything—from developing the idea to editing, printing, and even marketing the book yourself. It’s daunting and discourages talent,” he lamented. “We need a fully functioning publishing ecosystem to sustain literary growth.”

Despite his concerns, Achampong expressed hope that the tide is turning and used the occasion to inspire young writers to persevere.

“Read and write—that’s the foundation. Just keep reading and writing. That’s the only way to grow your voice and your craft,” he encouraged.

Stakeholders at the launch acknowledged the books as important contributions that could influence public discourse and ignite a stronger appreciation for local literature. They called for more institutional support to ensure that voices like Achampong’s—and those of emerging writers—are amplified both locally and internationally.

The three new books are expected to engage readers not only within academic and literary circles but also across the wider public sphere, further energizing Ghana’s literary and creative arts industry.