15 Ghanaian public figures who have published memoirs of their lives
Ghana’s literary landscape has experienced a shake following the publication of Ghanaian actress Yvonne Nelson’s gripping autobiography, “I Am Not Yvonne Nelson”.
Since the publication of Yvonne’s memoir, netizens and readers have reacted in varying ways; whilst others criticized the actress, others applauded her for her courage.
The Ghana Report has combed the Ghanaian public figures landscape to list out Public figures who have also authored memoirs and books, offering readers an intimate glimpse into their lives.
From celebrated actors and filmmakers to football icons and politicians, these published memoirs shed light on the diverse journeys and struggles that have shaped their remarkable careers.
Yvonne Nelson- I AM NOT YVONNE NELSON
Yvonne Nelson disclosed the challenges she faced in the entertainment industry, how she almost quit acting when actor Kofi Adjorlolo got upset with her on the set of the famous Princess Tyra movie.
Yvonne Nelson’s memoir, “I Am Not Yvonne Nelson,” was written in the search for her true identity.
The book, published on May 17, 2023, and launched on June 18, 2023, has shocked Ghanaians. It mentioned certain people in her personal and professional life including Sarkodie who impregnated her and asked her to abort, and the fact that to date she doesn’t know who her biological father is.
Kafui Danku- SILENCE IS NOT GOLDEN
Kafui Danku an award-winning filmmaker and a mother of two reflects on her experiences and the importance of speaking up and sharing your story.
Her book Silence Is Not Golden tackles the detrimental effects of suppressing emotions and the importance of speaking up.
Kafui Danku indicated that readers must not be silent as it is not always beneficial, and bottling up emotions can lead to various psychological and physiological issues such as depression, high blood pressure, poor memory, weakened immune system, and insomnia.
Drawing from her own painful experiences, Danku shares valuable lessons, inspiration, and encouragement, particularly for women who can relate to her story. She takes readers on a journey down memory lane, offering insights that are worth exploring.
Asamoah Gyan – LeGyanDary
Celebrated Ghanaian footballer and former captain of the Black Stars, Asamoah Gyan published his memoir “LeGyanDary” on May 4th,2022, sharing his captivating story.
Gyan opens up about the highs and lows of his career, including the infamous missed penalty at the 2010 World Cup.
This memoir offers a glimpse into the dressing room conversations, personal struggles, and the lessons learned throughout his football journey.
John Dramani Mahama – My First Coup d’Etat: And Other True Stories from the Lost Decades of Africa
My First Coup d’Etat” by Former President, John Dramani Mahama disclosed his experiences growing up in Ghana during the challenging post-independence era.
The non-fiction book provides insights into the political climate of the time, including the coup d’état that affected his family.
It offers a multidimensional perspective, combining history, culture, and personal reflection elements.
The Washington Post praised it as a “graceful memoir and a remarkable literary debut that captures the evolution of Mahama’s consciousness and provides glimpses into a nation’s recovered soul.”
Nathaniel Kwabena Adisi ( Bola Ray) – It is Possible
Bola Ray in his memoir “It Is Possible”narrates his life story and the significant moments that shaped his career
The Prominent media personality and entrepreneur released his biography titled “It is Possible” on September 18, 2017, which was authored by Obed Boafo.
This book highlights Bola Ray’s rise to success and the crucial individuals who played a role in shaping his journey.
Kwasi Appiah and Kyei Amoako – Leaders Don’t Have to Yell: National Team Coach on Leading High-Performing Teams
James Kwasi Appiah, the former coach of Ghana’s national football team also co-authored a memoir with Kyei Amoako in 2019.
The book explores Appiah’s career as both a player and a coach, delving into his journey to becoming an international coach and his experiences with the Ghanaian football team.
It covers significant events such as qualifying for the World Cup and the African Cup of Nations, as well as Appiah’s thoughts on the past, present, and future of Ghanaian football.
Kwamena Ahwoi – Working with Rawlings
Former Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Kwamena Ahwoi in his book “Working with Rawlings” focuses on his working relationship with former President Jerry John Rawlings.
The book shed light on their collaboration, the challenges they faced, and their joint commitment to improving Ghana. However, it also explores how their relationship drifted apart over time.
Former President Rawlings before his demise expressed dissatisfaction with the book, describing it as “generously economical with the truth” and accusing Ahwoi of having a “callous agenda.”
Kofi Amoabeng – The UT Story: Humble Beginnings
The UT Story: Humble Beginnings” and its sequel highlight the transformation of Unique Trust Financial Services Limited into a successful finance house
Kofi Amoabeng, the founder of UT Bank, shares his remarkable entrepreneurial journey in the two memoirs.
The memoir chronicles how Capt. Amoabeng, despite facing challenges in obtaining a loan from banks, established a successful finance house that brought about a significant shift in the lending culture of Ghana.’
The second instalment of Capt. Amoabeng’s memoirs further explore the consolidation of UT’s gains and the establishment of a unique corporate culture.
These memoirs, co-written with George Bentum Essiaw, offer profound insights into entrepreneurship, leadership, and the power of perseverance.
Abedi Pele Ballon D’Or
Published in 1992 and available in English and French versions, provides a comprehensive account of Pele’s achievements.
Abedi Pele, the legendary Ghanaian footballer, takes readers on a journey through his illustrious career in his biography. This book, published in 1992 and available in English and French versions, provides a comprehensive account of Pele’s achievements. His autobiography also makes him the first Ghanaian footballer to have written a book.
Nii Odai Laryea -‘ Polo The Magnificent: The Story of the Dribbling Magician
The book, titled ‘Polo The Magnificent: The Story of the Dribbling Magician, highlights Polo’s life, career, and legacy as a member of both Hearts of Oak and the Black Stars.
Polo named his all-time Black Stars XI in the book. He included himself but controversially left out Asamoah Gyan, Samuel Osei Kuffour, Abedi Pele, and other big names.
He explained that while Ghana has produced many great players over the years, he chose players such as himself, Robert Mensah, Dan Oppong, Akuetteh Armah (99 Styles), Seth Ampadu, Addo Odametey, Osei Kofi, Ibrahim Sunday, Abdul-Karim Razak, and Dan Owusu as his all-time first team.
Ghana and Asante Kotoko goalkeeping legends Joe Carr, Haruna Yusif, Oliver Acquah, John Eshun, James Kuuku Dadzie, Adolf Armah, Abedi Pele, Wilberforce Mfum, Edward Acquah, and Anthony Yeboah make up the reserve team.
“The difficulty in naming Ghana’s all-time best is that players excelled at different points in our football history. The list is endless, and this indicates that Ghana abounds in soccer talent,” he explained.
Oheneyere Gifty Anti – When Strong Women Cry
Published on May 7, 2023, the celebrated journalist and TV host, Gifty Anti offers a “detox manual” for women in her book “When Strong Women Cry,”
Through personal anecdotes and experiences, Anti encourages women to embrace their vulnerabilities and express their emotions.
The book serves as a guide for women, particularly those often labelled as strong, to also find healing. Published as one of her five books, this memoir is a source of inspiration and empowerment.
Juliet Ibrahim-” A Toast To Life”
Ghanaian actress, Juliet Ibrahim launched her book titled ”A Toast To Life”.
The beautiful movie star shares her journey through life and how her family survived back-to-back wars across Liberia, Lebanon, and Côte d’Ivoire.
Juliet reveals that a girl can succeed through difficult times and still emerge successful. The book is an eye-opener on Juliet’s growing-up years and her current reality.
Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings -It Takes a Woman
This book retraces the early life of Nana Konadu Agyemang‐Rawlings who rose to prominence as the First Lady of the Republic of Ghana (1982-2000).
She redefined the privilege of serving a nation and sought every platform to champion the causes of underserved citizenry and women.
While her husband, former President Jerry John Rawlings, embarked on a relentless pursuit of transforming Ghana into a model of African democracy, Mrs Agyeman-Rawlings founded the 31st December Women’s Movement (the 31st DWM), an organisation which played a pivotal role in the empowerment of women, and in addressing issues of systemic gender inequality, not only in Ghana but across the African region.
Ashley Morrisson-The Professor: The Life Story of Azumah Nelson
Azumah Nelson has been described as the greatest African boxer. Born the year after Ghana gained independence, he played a major part in putting this new country on the world map.
A glittering amateur career saw him win every title except an Olympic medal, as Ghana boycotted the 1980 Games, at a time he was a favourite of pundits. After turning professional, he took a last-minute bout for the world title with the great Salvador Sanchez, a bout that changed his life.
Two years later, in 1984, he won the WBC Featherweight title. Like many champions, he rose from humble beginnings and suffered tragedy along the way, but he won and remained a world champion at featherweight and super featherweight for eleven years. Very few champions have carried such a burden of expectation, and Azumah delivered success at a time when his country needed a hero.
Adjetey Anang
Ghanaian actor, Adjetey Anang, launched a book about his life to mark his 50th birthday.
He shares his life and professional experience while growing up as he celebrates his 50th birthday on July 8, 2023.
The actor revealed what inspired the decision to document his life in a book.
“I thought it was about time to do so because I’ve moved from two phases. People will say that I was in a certain generation, but I’m now in another generation, and I thought that the timing was right for me to sort of chronicle my last 50 years through school, work, bad choices…”
“I didn’t want to wait because we have a generation that is budding and wants to take up the world. I still needed to let them realize that there are things that they need to really consider; otherwise, they’ll repeat the mistake that we all made,” he explained.
Although he still aims at attaining higher grounds regardless of his current status, Pusher, as he is known, seeks to inspire young people with his experience so far.
