Our story is a tale that entrenched its beginning in the need to unify poets and their varied organizational movements within the leadership of a single body; a National Poetry Association.
Hondred Percent (Paul Forjoe Jnr.) lit the first flames that set this sacred procession in fiery motion, along with comrade Poets named; O’Zion (Daniel Appiah) and Slim 1 (Adrian Amaning). A maiden movement christened ‘MiCheck’ burst forth from these flames to bring light and warmth to the unification process.
In the spill of Saturday, 24TH October 2015, a gathering of Poets inspired by the communal unification rallied in Cantonments, Accra to feed reasoning to the progress of the Association. This initial rendezvous was followed by a series of others that allowed for the creation of a Constitution for the Association, a major breakthrough setting for us a formidable foundation for future progress.
These gatherings were called MiCheck conferences. The minutes of four of these conferences are discussed below.
1st MiCheck Conference
In September 2015, invitations were sent out to poets and stakeholders in the space for a poetry conference on Saturday, 24th October 2015 in Cantonments. The purpose of the conference was to discuss with participants the issues within the space and agree to the formation of an association as a solution.
This first meeting was attended by the following:
- Apiorkor Seyiram Ashong
- Yibor Kojo Yibor (SirBlack)
- Daniel Appiah (O’zionn)
- Paul Forjoe Jnr (Hondred Percent)
- Nana Assase
- Laud the Poet
The gathering in October resulted in participants agreeing to the formation of an association. There was also a breakout session to discuss the various roles to be played by the body. The meeting ended with all agreeing to meet in November to discuss the name of the association, its mission and vision, and the election of an interim executive to bring work.
2nd MiCheck Conference
On Saturday, 28th November 2015, the 2nd MiCheck Conference occurred in Cantonments. The following attended the meeting:
- Chief Moomen
- Dzyadzorm
- Yibor Kojo Yibor (Sir Black)
- Paul Forjoe Jnr (Hondred Percent)
- Daniel Appiah (O’Zionn)
- Poetra
- Laud the Poet
- Adrian Amaning
- Kwame Write
The meeting discussed the name, mission, and vision of the association as well as its roles within. The meeting ended with an agreement to begin drafting a constitution; discuss roles, positions, and qualifications for interim executives; draft of the constitution and a befitting name for the association.
3rd MiCheck Conference
The third meeting took place on Saturday, 30th April 2016 at Cantonments. It was attended by more poets, all of who are mentioned below:
- Elikplim Akorli
- Yibor Kojo Yibor (Sir Black)
- CEP Sefogah
- Prince Afful
- Mumin Mohammed
- Benjamin Acquah
- Adrian Amaning
- Paul Forjoe Jnr (Hondred Percent)
- Daniel Kojo Appiah (O’Zionn)
- Nii Immnauel
- Percy Osei-Appiah
- Naa Takia
- Dela Nyamuame
- Delali Quarshie
- Felix Azaletey
- Apiokor Seyiram Ashong
- Kwaku Quansah
- Thelma Geleplay
- Antiok Ameamu
- Andy Aryeetey
- Selorm Tali
It was this meeting that birthed the name of the association. In addition, there were discussions relating to the contents of the constitution such as aims and objectives, membership, and officer duties. Participation in the upcoming Chalewote festival was also discussed.
The conference ended with an agreement to update the constitution, reach out to other organizations and give feedback in a few weeks.
4th MiCheck Conference
The next conference was held on Saturday, 16th July 2016 at Cantonments. It was attended by the following:
- Yibor Kojo Yibor (Sir Black)
- Nii Immanuel
- Paul Forjoe Jnr (Hondred Percent)
- Daniel Kojo Appiah (O’Zionn)
- Kofi Ahmed
- Prince Afful
- Antiok Ameamu
- Elikplim Akorli
- CEP Sefogah
This gathering further updated the constitution and discussed elections of an interim executive. There was also a discussion of how the MiCheck and Ehalaksa will represent the body’s interest at that year’s Chalewote Festival.
Like every movement intended for our infinite communal good, the realization of the Poetry Association of Ghana was not without her drawbacks, a classic case of that inevitable strife contained in the; birth, growth & refinement of all things great in benevolence. So that it was not until some six (6) years later in 2021 after the initial series of meetings that Poetry Association of Ghana found footing as an incorporated organized body with the inauguration of an interim body of serving cohorts to keep the vision aflame.
Ours is a dynamic story that is just beginning, also unending in its visionary mission, so that one can only immerse themselves in this rich experience of; light, love, adventures, and the sacred artistic manifestations of our Souls’ yearnings if they come along!