Elizabeth Dwamena-Asare Wins Prestigious 2024 African Writers Award

Ghanaian author and playwright Elizabeth Dwamena-Asare emerged as the winner of the 2024 African
Writers Awards, organized by the African Writers Development Trust. The award ceremony took place
from October 22nd to 27th, 2024, in Kigali, Rwanda, which hosted the 7th edition of the African Writers
Conference, bringing together writers, artists, and literary enthusiasts across Africa under the theme,
“The Role of African Children’s Literature in Shaping the Youth.”
The 2024 African Writers Awards (AWA) announced their winners during the main event on Saturday,
the 26th of October. The event began with opening remarks from Anthony “Penboss” Onugba, followed
by a keynote speech from John Rusimbi, President of the Pan-African Writers Association. The AWA
comprises the African Teen Writers Awards for poetry and prose, the African Writers Awards (short
stories), the Wakini Kuria Prize for Children’s Literature, and the maiden edition of the Wanjohi Prize for
African Poetry.
The 7th African Writers Awards for Short Stories recognized "When Love Exits" by Elizabeth Dwamena-
Asare of Ghana as a standout short story, awarding her the grand cash prize and certificate and be
interviewed in the Writers Space Africa Literary Magazine from the January 2024 edition.
Elizabeth’s story captivated judges with its depth and nuanced exploration of love and departure,
underscoring the strength of African voices in modern literature. Her outstanding literary work was
recognized among a talented pool of African writers, solidifying her position as a leading voice in
contemporary African literature.
During the conference, the winners of the African Teen Writers Award, the African Writers Awards for
Short Story, the Wakini Kuria Prize for African Children’s Literature, and the Wanjohi Prize for African
Poetry were announced. The event also featured a small book exhibition, allowing writers to connect,
take photos, and exchange books. The African Writers Award aims to promote and celebrate.