The 2013 Golden Baobab Prize Search Hero No. 1

Hello everyone!

We at Golden Baobab are excited to introduce you to our first 2013 Golden Baobab Prize Search Hero!
Search Hero Nana Yaw is from Ghana and he’s supporting Golden Baobab in its search for amazing new African writers.

Here’s an interesting interview we had with Nana Yaw to find out more about him. Enjoy!

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I’m Nana Yaw and I’m a writer and a poet at large.

What is your day job and what activities do you enjoy in your leisure time?

I work with the Writers Project of Ghana as a Media and Projects Officer. I’m responsible, among other things, for the expansion of our programs to new media and scouting for more avenues to create a space for writers in Ghana. Usually, I play tennis, volunteer for programs in the areas of creative writing, youth and development, and spend time with my spouse. I also collaborate with other young people within Blogging Ghana to execute social media projects.

Let’s take our readers on a trip down memory lane. What did your 8 year-old self want to become in future and were they in any way influenced by the books you read?

I don’t remember wanting any particular career. I was probably too busy running around tennis courts and being a child. There was a brief period where I wanted to be a doctor but then I failed at math and excelled in English! I remember reading some titles in the African Writers Series and today I work to promote African literature and writers.

This is the tough one: Who was your favorite storybook character growing up?

Nothing beats Ananse. I had more of an oral storytelling upbringing as opposed to being read to from children’s storybooks. Many Ananse stories stuck with me because they were so thrilling! I think I even fell in love with Okonore Yaa, his wife.

What would be your biggest dream for African children’s literature?

A library in every community in Ghana stocked with children’s storybooks which have been written and illustrated by Africans. That day, we would have achieved something monumental.

How does it feel to be named a Search Hero for the Golden Baobab Prize?

I usually like working quietly but I have always believed in the Golden Baobab Prize’s cause and supported it. Even though being a Search Hero seems rather humongous for me, I’m elated to have been nominated.

What kind of superpowers will you be contributing to enhance the Golden Baobab Prize search for captivating African stories for children?

Superpowers? By a dint of Ananse’s wit and cunning, I will be reaching out to all the writers in the connections I have built. I have social media clout, and I intend to use it well.

Where can people connect with you on the world wide web?

I’m on Creative Writing Ghana on Facebook, creativewritingghana.wordpress.com on weblog and @osarpong and @writingGH on Twitter.

Well, Ghana, there you have it! Look out for Nana Yaw, newest Search Hero for the 2013 Golden Baobab Prize!