Mr. Solomon Kuu-ire, an Administrative Assistant in the Human Resource Department of the Office of the Registrar, has won a national award with his first novel, “Urban Sojourn”. The book won second prize at the Ghana Association of Writers, Literary Awards, 2022- Novel category.

Mr kuu-ire who holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics, is also a creative writer, he seeks out topical development issues where his ability can find expression. He is currently working on other creative projects hinged on themes such as poverty, conflict, rural-urban migration, among others.

In all, 20 writers were honoured at the 6th edition of the Ghana Association of Writers Literary Awards night held in Accra on January 21, 2023.

The awards night which was held under the theme: ‘Honouring Literary Excellence’ was aimed at celebrating and honoring distinguished writers across the country. 52 applicants tendered in their nominations for the awards.

THE BOOK:
Mr. Kuu-ire’s book, “Urban Sojourn” is a powerfully written novel on the travails of rural-urban migration. For once, the reader is confronted with a rather unique proposition in the plot of rural-urban migration. The conventional storyline of the protagonist striving towards affluence and prosperity in the corridors of the City is greatly tested.

Through the use of a compelling writing style, the reader is able to appreciate the slum perspective of rural-urban migration from gripping sub-plots within the city.

Urban Sojourn challenges existing urban-driven development policies that typically neglect the rural populace; a cycle that perpetually pushes the neglected youthful populace into the Cities in search of better, yet, non-existing opportunities.
The writer puts a compelling argument across to the reader;

The grass is greener at your feet (rural settlement) before the ‘other side’ (urban settlement). If only we vote the right amount of resources towards rural development, many African countries could transform rural economies into bustling commercial havens.