Two books depicting two cultures from Ghana have been launched at a short but colourful ceremony in Takoradi over the weekend.
The books are entitled “women marrying women in Northern Ghana” and “who am I.”
Women marrying women in Northern Ghana wades into the homosexuality debate from a Ghanaian perspective, documents the reality of same-sex practices in Ghana.
“Who Am I” on the other hand explores the concepts of gender and identity from Frafra perspective, critiques the current positions and understanding of gender and identity.
The two books were authored by Dr. Eva Mmah Agana, who describes herself as a Sociologist by training, sustainability specialist by profession and a gender activist and author.
She is also the CEO of Habiscus Insights – a research and publication wing of Group Habiscus.
The launch brought together academics and traditional leaders.
Ghana Association of Writers were also present.
Nana Amuzu Quaidoo, Benkumhene of Mpohor Taditional Area chaired the launch. He purchased the first book at GHC1000.00
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Eva Mma Agana, the author indicated that the issue of gender required more exposé from cultural perspective.
This, she explained to mean, “How I describe myself today is not based on Western criteria alone, but a careful mixture of the Western criteria with my understanding of myself from cultural and family backgrounds”.
The two books, she indicated, were related hence the intentional decision of launching both at the same time.
“We cannot push away the reality of same-sex practices as alien to Ghana and African culture, but we can help the rest of the world to understand why we take certain strong positions, as it relates to homosexuality”.
The books, she explained, were just not documentation of cultural practices to shed light on contestation against homosexuality and the concepts of identity.
“A campaign to motivate every Ghanaian and African to be interested in your systems and customs, a campaign to appreciate who we are and what forms our foundation. When you pick a copy today, you will understand you are not furthering an individual idea or pursuit, but you are joining a campaign, a new force towards a philosophical reorientation of who we are and who wants the world to know us”
This post was originally published on here
