Cameron Duodu

Cameron Duodu was born on May 24, 1937, in Asiakwa, Eastern Ghana.

Duodu's literary journey began during his school days at Kyebi Government Senior School, where he developed a passion for writing. His first story, "Tough Guy In Town," was broadcasted on the radio program "The Singing Net" and later included in the 1958 anthology "Voices of Ghana," edited by Henry Swanzy. This anthology was significant as it marked the first Ghanaian literary collection featuring poems, stories, plays, and essays. Despite limited resources, Duodu completed his O-Level and A-Level examinations through correspondence courses with the Rapid Results College in London.

In 1954, Duodu started as a student teacher, but his passion for writing eventually led him to a career in journalism. He worked for the magazine "New Nation" in Ghana and later joined the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation as a radio journalist. While contributing to "The Singing Net" and "Ghana Theatre," he rose to the position of editor of radio news. His journalistic prowess continued to flourish, and he became the editor of the Ghana edition of the South African magazine "Drum" from 1960 to 1965. In 1970, Duodu took on the role of editor at the Daily Graphic, Ghana's largest-selling newspaper.

Duodu's literary contributions were not limited to journalism. In 1967, he published his novel "The Gab Boys" in London. The novel follows the story of sharply dressed youths, known as "gab boys," who face conflicts and challenges in Ghana's transitional society. The novel showcases Duodu's ability to intertwine cultural conflicts and political corruption while affirming the strength of African culture. His poetry was also featured in the anthology "Messages: Poems from Ghana" (Heinemann Educational Books, 1970).

Duodu's career in journalism extended beyond Ghana, earning him recognition as an influential figure. He worked as a correspondent for various international publications, including The Observer, The Financial Times, The Sunday Times, Reuters, and The Economist. He settled in the United Kingdom in the 1980s and continued to write for renowned outlets such as The Guardian and The Independent. Duodu's captivating columns in New African magazine, "Under the Neem Tree," as well as in City Press (Johannesburg) and the Ghanaian Times (Accra), further solidified his reputation as a respected journalist.

In the 1960s, Duodu married Beryl Karikari, a talented dancer and choreographer with royal Asante lineage. Despite the challenges life presented, Duodu's unwavering passion for Africa remained evident throughout his career. His work transcended borders and cultures, earning him numerous awards, including the "Communication and Media" category at the Ghana Professional Achievers Awards (GPA) in 2005. At the age of 81, Duodu continues to contribute to the world of African literature and journalism, leaving an enduring legacy for future generations.