A Letter To Manasseh Azure Awuni

Dear Manasseh, like the investigative journalist, Anas Aremeyaw Anas, I have read much about your work and accomplishments, in the fields of journalism in Ghana.

No matter how intelligent people are, it’s only a journalist who knows the happiness and bitterness behind journalism.

The reality is, you can achieve or accomplish the best for your dear nation, Ghana, but only a few will remember the good things you achieved in journalism, thousands are those who will dwell on the mistake you did to call you all sorts of names you don’t actually deserve.

It came as a shock to me, when this headlines ‘Manasseh Quits Multimedia To Focus On Writing Books” caught my attention today on ModernGhana news site. I didn’t feel happy about that decision.

If it’s true, then this article will unfold the reasons I am not happy about that decision.

Firstly, you must understand the purpose or mission of being a journalist and secondly, I am sure you know of both the happiness and misery behind the profession as a journalist.

In a continent like Africa, where corruption is prevalent, and the truth is never given the chance, you must be prepared to embrace everything that comes your way, whether good or bad.

To me, stepping out of journalism will increase more corruption, at the same time you have given what your enemies wished since bad people enjoy the defeat of their enemies, including death.

The news article further reveals that you’ve now decided to write books, which is not a bad idea but Sir Manasseh, as an author with nine books, I want to share something with you to know that concentrating on journalism will give you more money than investment in books.

Being a journalist, I know that you have the knowledge or endowed with the talent to write a book, however, ask any experienced author, writing a book is very easy but the most difficult part is the promotion or how to sell the book very well.

Coming out with a book as a new author is like a young man making a proposal to a woman, she has to think about it and if she agrees, the marriage will be successful.

Therefore, writing a book doesn’t guarantee a successful life because you are not sure if people will buy them.

Above all, corruption is everywhere, including the book publishing industry. One of my articles on ModernGhana news was about the best-selling British crime writer, RJ Ellory. He used fake names to review his books to be a bestseller before he was caught.

Africa has good writers too, yet the lack of respect, discrimination, and underestimation, from developed countries' writers, have affected many African writers.

I will, therefore, advice you to return to journalism and use your leisure time to write your books. This is what most experienced authors do. I really wish you all the best and never give up to make your enemies happy.