It is difficult making a living as a writer in Ghana – Ghana Association of Writers

National Organizer of the Ghana Association of Writers, Araba Taylor Darko says the average Ghanaian writer does not write books on a full time basis.

According to her because it is difficult to make ends meet as a writer in the country, most of its members work on their books on a part time basis.

“In Ghana, one cannot gain millions from writing books like it happens in Europe. Some writers can make a living off book writing in Europe but in Ghana, it is difficult to find a full time writer. The average Ghanaian writer does not write on a full time basis but writes on a part time basis”.

She admitted that there are a limited number of full time writers in the country. “There are a few of them but mostly, these people have been commissioned to write biographies, memories, etc”.

Araba shared this in an interview with Samuel Eshun on the Happy Morning show aired on e.TV Ghana and Happy98.9FM.

However, Araba believes there is an interest for Ghanaian books by Ghanaians. “Kids love to read especially if the books relate to their environment. The young ones are not reading too much but if these books are put on kindle, they will download and read them”.

She indicated that the use of online platforms to sell these books will also improve the fortune of writers. “Book lovers are looking for books written by Ghanaians and they will sell massively. Our only problem now is that we lack the resources for publishing and promoting our books”.