Zongo Author Launches Book on Girls' Education and Child Marriage

Takoradi-based journalist and author Dawda Mohammed Kakale has launched a novel aimed at promoting girls’ education and discouraging child and forced marriage in Zongo communities.

The book was launched on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at the Takoradi Library under the auspices of the Daarut Tawheed Centre of Excellence (DATEX) founded by Hajj Saeed Jallo, a renowned Takoradi-based broadcaster.

The Member of Parliament attended the event for Kwesimintsim Constituency, Hon. Lawey Fiifi Buckman, representatives of Zongo chiefs, members of the Western Region Heads of Zongo Chiefs, traditional leaders, and other guests.

The novel tells the story of Binta, a 13-year-old Zongo girl who escapes a forced marriage and becomes a head porter, popularly known as a Kayayo, in Kumasi. Her friend, Asibi, goes through a similar experience.

The book highlights the challenges confronting vulnerable girls while promoting education, moral values and cultural identity.

Speaking at the launch, Hon. Lawey Fiifi Buckman commended the author for incorporating local languages, including Hausa, into the novel.

He expressed concern about the declining use of indigenous languages among children and said preserving local languages was important for maintaining cultural identity.

The MP also pledged to support the university education of girls from the Kwesimintsim Zongo community who pursue studies in science or medicine.

“What men can do, women can do and maybe even better,” he said.

Reviewing the book, Dr. Rabiatu Sidi Ali, a senior lecturer at Takoradi Technical University, described the story as relatable and urged parents in Zongo communities to encourage their children, particularly girls, to pursue science, mathematics and engineering.

“When you educate a girl child, you’ve educated the whole nation. When you educate just the male, you have just educated an individual,” she said.

Dr. Sidi Ali also praised the author for using simple and flowing English, saying the book was accessible to readers from about 13 years upwards.

Mr. Kakale said the book was the product of about 15 years of work and was financed through contributions from friends, relatives and other supporters, as well as his personal resources.

He said the novel formed part of a broader literary project aimed at encouraging members of the Zongo community to tell their own stories.

According to him, he plans to establish a Zongo Writers’ Series to provide a platform for writers from the community to document their experiences, culture and challenges.

“This is just the beginning,” Mr. Kakale said. “It’s a platform to motivate others to also write the Zongo story so that people will know everything about the Zongo community.”

He also acknowledged the support of his wife, Zubaida Comfort Sam, throughout his writing and publishing journey.