The Ghanaian Literary Scholar and Creative Imaginations discussed at the 2024 LITAG Conference
Wednesday, 8th May 2024 marked the opening of the maiden edition of the Conference of Literature Association of Ghana (LITAG) at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi - Ghana. The theme for the conference was Movement and Impact: The Ghanaian Literary Scholar and Creative Imaginations.
The opening ceremony was graced with distinguished personalities like Prof. Kofi Anyidoho, Prof. Yaw Sekyi Baidoo, Prof. Mawuloe Koffi Kodah, and Prof. Theresah Patrine Ennin among others. Nana Asaase performed a stunning spoken word In the opening keynote address, Prof. Anyidoho presented on Beyond the Horizons: Boundless Gifts of the Creative Imagination. He commented on the need for us to "tell our stories (African narrative)" paying attention to form, content and quality.
Various topics were covered in three different groups. The topics covered different areas within literary studies, such as ecocriticism, postcolonialism, narratology, gender studies, popular culture, oral literature, pedagogies, satire, literary onomastics, trauma studies and literary journalism. The presentations were done by both lecturers and postgraduate students, and they exhibited great zeal in academia and research. A key thing observed was how lecturers collaborated with their students in carrying out a study and their students were encouraged to make the presentations.
Many of the presentations were commendable because they demonstrated relevant research background, clear research objectives or questions, relevant theoretical framework, suitable methodology, an in-depth analysis, and engagement with the chosen topics. However, as noted by both the session chairs and participants, there were also instances where improvements could be made to some studies.
Chairpersons and lecturers provided constructive feedback as they highlighted several areas for improvement. Firstly, there was an emphasis on maintaining the focus on the literariness of texts under analysis. Furthermore, suggestions were made regarding the importance of establishing and adhering to methodological frameworks to ensure coherence in the analytical approach. Again, concerns were raised regarding the alignment between the theoretical frameworks employed and the analysis presented, emphasizing the need for greater coherence and integration between theory and application.
Some observations made included many presenters exceeding their time limits. Additionally, presenters tended to read directly from slides, which affected the presentations’ effectiveness. Another notable point of discussion was the repetition of content in slide presentations, which marred the clarity and conciseness of the presentations. Presenters were encouraged to pay attention to their slide's development and avoid repetition, hence, this will enhance the effectiveness of visual aids to complement the oral delivery.
It is worth noting that the breakout session presentations provided great apprehensions into the wide range of literary topics, theoretical frameworks, and methodologies.
Highlights of Keynote Speakers
The session on Thursday has to be adjusted for members to enjoy the wonderful performance of Nana Asaase. This was followed by the plenary sessions. After the presentations for the day, there was a presentation on Literature: Life, Art, Experience and Instruction: The Ghanaian Experience, the second keynote address given by Prof. Yaw Sekyi Baidoo, the president of LiTAG. In his address, he drew attention to the place of artistic experience in the reality of literature from three perspectives of literary experience. These are the cultural, the artistic and the academic and their place in making literature a worthwhile artistic experience in Ghana.
He ended his presentation by highlighting the proposed projects of the association. They include a Literature Documentation Project. This involves the collection and storing especially oral forms of art mutual use and for future reference. The second is a Literary Experience. Here, it calls for a programme for the performance and discussion of texts (created by members). Lastly, the Creative Incubation Programme. This project seeks to encourage children and adolescents to write, provide them with workshops and opportunities for publication, even online. The third project aligns with the mission and vision of Muna Kalati. A collaboration with LITAG will help in achieving this while expanding our target audience. The way forward is to extend an invitation for collaboration, especially in carrying out the third proposed project.
The conference ended on Friday, 10th May 2024. The last set of presentations was carried out and the closing remarks. There is a need for senior lecturers or researchers to reproduce themselves in the upcoming ones to replace them in the future. It was also emphasized that Literature should inspire us to be creative. Literature is about critique and not criticism - Prof Koffi Kodah.
Take away for MK
Muna Kalati, the premier voice of Africa Children’s literature needs amplifies its role of advocating for reading among children in Ghana. This can be achieved by, initiating or partnering organization in Ghana championing children’s book and reading.
LITAG proposes Creative Incubation Program, Muna Kalati can support and spearhead this agenda as the voice of Children’s Literature in Africa.
Scortia Quansah
Research and Publication Officer
Muna Kalati