Ameyaw Debrah, VoicesofAfrica mobile reporter in Accra, Ghana
Ghana has various forms of traditional oratories such as poems, proverbs and wise sayings that reflect on life and the society. Often, these oratories are a reflection of what happens in society and a means to correct social ills and to influence positive behaviour.
A lot of these traditions have been lost to modernization or globalisation. However NT 1 Concepts, a multimedia production firm in Accra has assembled a group of creative and dynamic young Ghanaian poets and enthusiasts in a bid to whip up interest for poetry among Ghanaians, particularly the youth.
NT1 Concepts has produced a TV series of 20-minute poetry performances in English and local dialects in collaboration with TV Africa, a local TV network. The series, dubbed 'NT1 Poetry: revolution in poetry' will be aired every Sunday on TV Africa. According to Mathew Nti, the producer of the project, the series is an attempt to revive poetry and celebrate great Ghanaian poets like Prof Atukwei Okai , Prof Kofi Awoonor and others.
He believes that poetry represents the wits and cultural values of any society which can be used to educate and entertain the community. It is therefore his hope that poetry would receive sponsorship in mainstream media just like music and film do.