Pa Gya Literary Festival marks 10th edition with 80 global participants

The 10th edition of the Pa Gya Literary Festival is set to take place from October 16 to 18, 2026, bringing together more than 80 participants from across the globe. This anniversary event serves as a critical platform to address the visibility gap faced by Ghanaian authors and provides a venue for creatives to connect with key stakeholders within the literary ecosystem. The festival will feature a diverse lineup of activities, including workshops, performances, and panel discussions designed to celebrate and promote literature.

Festival Director Martin Egblewogbe emphasized the importance of the event in highlighting the challenges local writers face in gaining recognition. According to Egblewogbe, Ghanaian authors often struggle to achieve the same level of visibility as their foreign counterparts. He noted that the festival provides a necessary space for writers to network and engage with the broader creative industry, fostering an environment where local talent can thrive and gain the exposure they deserve.

The European Union (EU) has also pledged its support for the festival and the wider creative sector in Ghana. EU representative Margo Pitura highlighted that such initiatives are vital for job creation and fostering meaningful dialogue through the arts. She reiterated the EU's commitment to supporting Ghanaian creatives, noting that the literary sector plays a significant role in economic development and cultural exchange.

Beyond its networking opportunities, the Pa Gya Literary Festival focuses on the preservation of cultural identity through the written word. Organizers believe that by empowering local authors, the festival helps safeguard Ghana’s unique narratives for future generations. As the 10th-anniversary celebration approaches, the event stands as a milestone for the country’s literary scene, aiming to inspire a new wave of storytelling and creative excellence.