The Silhouette of Our Ancestors: Poetry as a Cultural Pillar in Ghana

Poetry in Ghana serves as a vital connection to our rich heritage, a vibrant vessel that carries the echoes of our ancestors into the contemporary landscape. As we celebrate World Poetry Day, one name that stands out prominently in this vibrant literary tapestry is Albert Tetteh Amafu. His poetic contributions beautifully embody the fusion of tradition and modernity. Through his captivating spoken word performances, Albert weaves together Ghanaian indigenous languages with themes that resonate on a global scale, skillfully ensuring that the profound wisdom and oral traditions of Ghana remain alive and relevant, even in the face of an ever-encroaching globalization.

Poet Albert Tetteh Amafu

“Albert Tetteh Amafu is a multifaceted poet whose work spans poetry, activism, education, and animation. As the founder and Executive Director of PAL Foundation Ghana, he has dedicated nine years to supporting over 80 orphanages and special homes across the country. Beyond his philanthropic efforts, he is an engineer, a prolific writer, and a widely recognized spoken word minister. His impact in education is evident through his role as the Founder and CEO of the National Core Subjects Quiz and Verbal Transformers Ghana’s premier Junior High School academic competition, which has been running for eight years at both regional and national levels. In the creative industry, Amafu serves as the Project Director and Acting Chief Operating Officer at Parables Animation Studios, the team behind Ghana’s first-ever animated feature film. The studio is also known for MIGHTY JOO, Africa’s pioneering environmental superhero animated series”.

A Journey Rooted in Faith and Language

Albert Tetteh’s journey into the world of poetry was both unconventional and deeply impactful. Born in the vibrant town of Akuse in Ghana’s Eastern Region, he grew up in a household steeped in the rhythms and narratives of the Bible. Each day commenced with a ritual that embraced the power of words; his parents would gather the family to recite Psalms, with Psalm 1 being a cherished favorite.

“Before heading to school, my parents would have us recite Psalms, particularly Psalm 1. That practice was more than a routine; it became the bedrock of the poet I am today,” he reminisces, his eyes reflecting the memories of those formative moments.

Despite his academic prowess, poetry remained a concealed passion, quietly simmering beneath the surface until his university years. A pivotal incident unfolded when a church leadership meeting called for someone to present poetry at an upcoming international event. Without a moment’s hesitation, he stepped forward, a spark igniting within him as he embraced the opportunity. This defining moment launched his poetic journey, revealing a talent that had long been waiting to emerge. His career, marking the beginning of a journey defined by a commitment to storytelling and cultural preservation.

Credit an unconditional life

Poetry as a Cultural Archive

For centuries, Ghanaian poetry has functioned as an archive of wisdom, history, and societal values. Traditional oral poets, such as griots and appellation singers, preserved lineage histories and community narratives through intricate verses. Proverbs, folklore, and epic tales served as repositories of ancestral knowledge, ensuring continuity from one generation to the next.

Albert sees himself as part of this continuum. His poetry is not only an artistic expression but also a means of cultural documentation. Through his work, he revives the themes of resilience, identity, and moral instruction that have long been embedded in Ghanaian oral literature.

“In our communities, poetry was never just for entertainment. It was a way to communicate laws, teach children, and even settle disputes. The poet was a custodian of history. My work honors that tradition while adapting it for today’s audience.”

children gathered around an elderly woman listening to folktale:  Credit to e-Ananse Library

The Evolution of a Poet’s Voice

Over the years, Albert’s craft has evolved from a personal outlet into a platform for national and cultural discourse. He credits his growth to discipline and consistency, resisting the pull of fleeting trends.

“It’s easy to get carried away by applause, but poetry is more than just entertaining people. It’s about substance. There is a temptation to make poetry trendy, to appeal to the masses through surface-level content, but I have always focused on intellectual communication. My goal is to educate, enlighten, and preserve,” he explains.

His work endures due to his commitment to in-depth storytelling. As he revisits pieces from years ago, he acknowledges the growth in his delivery, structure, and wordplay. Yet, his mission remains unchanged.

Language as a Bridge: Preserving Identity Through Poetry

A defining feature of Tetteh’s poetry is his seamless blending of English with indigenous Ghanaian languages. Twi, Ga, and Dangme feature prominently, reinforcing the idea that language is more than communication.

“Language is who we are. It shapes our worldview, our emotions, and our narratives. When we think critically, we think best in our native tongues. That’s why poetry in our indigenous languages carries weight, it captures the essence of our heritage” he asserts.

His performances affirm this belief. He recalls a defining moment at a book launch where he seamlessly wove Ga and Dangme into his poetry.

“The audience’s reaction was immediate, their faces lit up, and a deep sense of belonging filled the room. It was the realization that people want to hear themselves in poetry that pushed me to decide on blending our local dialect with English in my deliveries. people want to connect on a visceral level, and that connection comes through language,” he says.

Despite this, Albert acknowledges the challenge of maintaining cultural authenticity in an era dominated by Western influences. He warns against diluting traditional elements for mass appeal.

“There’s a lot of dilution out there. Poetry should not just be trendy; it should be impactful. The danger in prioritizing trends is that we risk losing the cultural essence that makes Ghanaian poetry unique.”

Poetry as a Catalyst for Social Change

Beyond storytelling, poetry has historically played a crucial role in advocacy and social change. Ghanaian poets, past and present, have used their craft to challenge injustices, highlight societal issues, and inspire action. Figures like Nana Asaase, Kofi Awoonor and Atukwei Okai infused their poetry with political consciousness, addressing themes of colonialism, independence, and Pan-Africanism.

Building on this legacy, Albert crafts poetry that interrogates contemporary issues. His work delves into themes of education, governance, and cultural identity, using poetry as a medium for national discourse.

“Poetry has a voice. It’s not just about rhyming words. It’s about using language as a tool to shape minds and influence change,” he states.

One of his most compelling pieces is a poem reflecting on Ghana’s Independence Day, a tribute to Dr. Kwame Nkrumah that critiques modern-day leadership and the country’s struggles with identity and progress. Performed during Independence Day celebrations, this poem reflects Albert’s deep concern for Ghana’s political state and its wavering sense of identity:

“You see, you can’t even answer because your eardrums are so clouded by the irregular, provocative, political, vocal frequencies of our leaders. How then? how then would you enjoy your rest as you wrestle with the noise and pestilences of our motherland? Oh, Osagyefo. Koo S)re!!!

It’s been more than fifty years since your demise. Still, you have been wrestled against.

 Osagyefo S)ri. Asem hy3 h)oo, asem kese3 bi da fie, see Osagyefo Today, somehow, the Ghanaian or the African wouldn’t hesitate in trading his or her values or very precious things for what might seem to be an escape plan into the so-called promised land. Osagyefo asem 3frititi oo.

3frititi before 1957. Big six and seven. 60 years on after independence, yet we consciously selling our birthright and sequentially go begging. For what? For salvation?

From who? From the Pharisees? Because as far as I can see, you’re searching for within a whole lot of them are sad, you see? It is so beautiful to call oneself an African, but it’s so terrible also to be or live in Africa. Oh, Osagyefo Amasan boa fo. Political Osofo. The true lover of the African land and selfless projector of the African brand”.

Through this piece, Albert laments how Ghana’s independence dreams have been overshadowed by misplaced priorities, and a lingering colonial mindset. His poetry does not merely reflect on the past, it urges the present generation to question, resist, and redefine their national identity.

The Future of Ghanaian Poetry in the Digital Age

As poetry continues to evolve, the digital space presents both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, poets now have platforms that amplify their voices beyond local communities. Social media, podcasts, and video performances have propelled spoken word poetry into the global spotlight. On the other hand, the ease of content creation has led to a saturation of superficial materials, making it harder for profound storytelling to stand out.

“The digital age is a double-edged sword. It allows us to reach wider audiences, but it also pushes many of us to compromise depth for virality. The challenge for poets is to find a balance, to leverage technology without losing the richness of our narratives,” Albert reflects.

Despite the challenges, he remains optimistic. He believes the new generation of poets will rise to the occasion, provided they have access to mentorship and collaboration. By bridging the gap between seasoned poets and emerging voices, Ghanaian poetry can continue to thrive while staying true to its roots.

A Call to Preserve and Innovate

As Ghana celebrates World Poetry Day, poetry remains a powerful thread that binds the past to the present. Through language, discipline, and storytelling, poets bear the responsibility of shaping narratives that will endure long after the applause fades. With voices like Albert Albert’s leading the front, the future of Ghanaian poetry stands firm echoing the past while embracing the possibilities of tomorrow.