Ghanaians must rediscover identity through African mythology - Tutu Ani

Author Nii Odoi Mensa Tutu Ani has called on Ghanaians to rediscover their identity through homegrown mythology, saying his new book “Amane Adesa – Of Monsters and Gods” reimagines humanity’s future by returning to African roots, stories and cultural narratives.

Speaking at the launch of the book, Ani described the work as more than fiction, but a reflection of African identity and imagination.

“It is a mirror for who Africans are, and who they could become thousands of years from now. We have just reimagined how we are now as a people and how we would be thousands of years in the future if we are to, quote-unquote, go back to our roots, to what we know, to our stories, to our narratives,” he said.

He explained that the book explores humanity as a whole, while placing Africa at the centre of its origin and future storytelling.

“The human story began here in Africa. It began here on this continent. And so it makes sense that it needs to be reimagined for a future here,” he noted.

Tutu Ani argued that while many Ghanaians enjoy storytelling, they are often exposed mainly to foreign narratives and mythologies, which shape their imagination.

“A lot of Ghanaians can tell you that they enjoy stories. But which stories do they enjoy, really? Which narratives do they allow to enter into their imagination? A lot of them are imported… other cultures, other worldviews, other perspectives,” he said.

He believes Amane Adesa offers readers a perspective rooted in their own culture, history and identity.

“It gives the Ghanaian reader a perspective that they may not even be aware of — of their own culture, their own history, their own stories,” he added.

According to him, storytelling has greater impact when it is owned and told by Africans themselves.

He dismissed suggestions that the book may be “too late” for his generation, insisting it remains relevant to both local and international audiences.

“I think that this is also for those who, even if they’ve consumed other books, will find something unique here. They will find something truly their own that they can’t find in other works of literature out there in the world,” he said.

Tutu Ani also pointed to Africa’s rich but underrepresented mythological heritage.

“I heard someone talking about Thor and Zeus, and I can tell you for a fact there are African gods that will put all those other characters to shame. Africans and Ghanaians need to be able to find these characters and embrace them,” he said.

He called for national unity through storytelling and cultural pride, stressing that Ghana’s diverse identities should come together through shared narratives.

The launch was attended by several prominent figures in the arts and entertainment industry, including Amandzeba Nat Brew, Fred Amugi, Kwaku Sintim-Misa and voice artiste Mawuli Sachey.

Organisers, Dade Krama Studios, described the project as part of a broader mission to reclaim and revalue African cultural heritage through storytelling. They have also created a digital platform, Akrabaa: The Neem Under Which Our Stories Gather, aimed at preserving and promoting African narratives within the global creative economy.