Ghanaian author Nana Ama Danquah has encouraged people struggling with depression to seek professional help and speak openly about their experiences, describing the condition as “absolutely treatable” despite persistent stigma.
Speaking on the Asaase Breakfast Show on Wednesday (11 March) ahead of a literary reading scheduled for Wednesday evening, Danquah said discussions about mental health remain necessary because many people still misunderstand depression.
“People really don’t understand what depression is. They still view it as a character flaw,” she said. “It is absolutely treatable, and they should get help. They should talk to a medical doctor about it and then talk to a psychotherapist.”
The event will feature readings from two of her works — the crime fiction anthology Accra Noir and her memoir Willow Weep for Me: A Black Woman’s Journey Through Depression — and will take place at the historic Ghana Club on High Street in Accra at 6:30 pm.
According to Danquah, actress Lydia Forson and literary blogger “The African Book Addict” will read excerpts from her memoir during the programme.
Exploring Accra through crime fiction
Danquah explained that Accra Noir forms part of a global “City Noir” series by Akashic Books that explores crime stories set in major cities.
She said she proposed the idea of an Accra edition to the publisher, making the Ghanaian capital the first African city in the series.
“I thought this is perfect — why not Accra?” she said. “So I contacted the publisher and proposed the idea, and Accra was the first African city to be signed up.”
The anthology contains crime stories set in different neighbourhoods of the capital, examining the motivations behind wrongdoing rather than simply identifying perpetrators.
“In noir there’s usually a death or murder,” she explained. “But the focus is not so much on ‘who did it’ — we often already know that. The issue is the human aspect: why it was done.”
She added that the book has been widely received by readers and is among the most popular titles in the series.
A personal story about depression
Danquah also spoke about her memoir, written in her early 30s, which chronicles her personal experience living with depression.
The book, first published years ago, traces her journey of recognising the illness and learning how to manage it.
“Depression is very much like any other illness where it can recur,” she said. “For some people it’s one and done, but for others it’s a lifelong struggle with different episodes.”
Although she has managed the condition over the years, she noted that recovery is not always permanent and requires ongoing care.
Ghanaian roots and new projects
Danquah, who was born in Ghana but raised in the United States, said she has since returned to live in the country and holds a Ghanaian passport.
Her upcoming projects include a travelogue about rediscovering Ghana and another collection of stories set in the country by different writers.
She encouraged literature lovers and members of the public to attend the reading, promising an evening of literature, refreshments and conversation.
“Come this evening,” she said. “There will be food, refreshments and wonderful literature. I’m sure you’ll have a great time.”
