My dad had profound influence on my passion for poetry –Abena Busia

Abena Pokua Adompim Busia is a renowned Ghanaian writer and poet. She is also a former diplomat. Recently, she spoke about her father's influence on her love for poetry.

Her father, Kofi Abrefa Busia, was a former Prime Minister of Ghana. He created a home filled with literature. Poetry anthologies were common in their household, which nurtured her appreciation for words.

On Channel One TV, Abena reflected on her childhood experiences. She shared how her father encouraged a love for poetry among his children. It became a family tradition to read, memorize, and recite poems together.

This practice left a lasting impact on her creative journey. Her father's emphasis on poetry shaped her artistic sensibilities early on. It helped her appreciate rhythm, structure, and the power of language.

Abena recalled growing up in an arts-loving household. They often listened to the King James version of the Bible. Her father bought many poetry anthologies for them to explore.

After Sunday dinner, they would recite chosen poems to him. They also sang Methodist hymns without fully understanding their meaning. At school, they had an eccentric headmaster who read stories at the end of each day.