
On October 26, 2024, celebrated Ghanaian novelist Ishmael Junough launched his third book, Ladimeh, Abandoned African Slave, adding a powerful voice to African literature.
With two other novels, Not Forsaken Diaries of an African Child and Ancestors Prologue, already to his name, Junourgh has established himself as a storyteller who weaves the heart of African history and resilience into his narratives.
The latest launch saw a turnout that even surprised the author, who expressed heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming support:
“I didn’t even anticipate getting these numbers. For me, it’s a big encouragement. It tells a story that our passion for literature – especially literature about us – is growing.”
In Ladimeh, Abandoned African Slave, Junourgh presents a bold take on the African spirit, one that defies enslavement. The book’s protagonist, Ladimeh, represents a proud African, determined never to submit willingly to the forces of slavery.
Unlike many modern characters who might romanticize leaving Africa, Ladimeh chooses to resist, making the book both a tribute to Africa’s past and a challenge to current perspectives on migration and cultural identity. Junior explains:
“What inspired me to write Ladimeh is the idea of a strong African who cannot be bought – someone who refuses to go into slavery. Ladimeh says, ‘I’m a proud African, and I can make it here.’”
Ladimeh also pushes back against the misconception that Africans accepted enslavement without resistance. Through Ladma’s story, Junourgh emphasizes that while circumstances may have placed Africans in bondage, they resisted fiercely when they could. The novel captures the anguish and pride of characters caught in a historical battle for survival, painting a picture of African fortitude often omitted from traditional history.
A Novel of African Roots and Cultural Reflection
Beyond the captivating storyline, Junourgh work addresses broader themes in African culture. He underscores the disconnect between traditional African values and the current trend toward Westernization, which he believes contributes to modern social challenges. Speaking passionately, he urges Africans to reclaim cultural values as a means to address contemporary issues like environmental degradation and weak governance:
“Our cultures revere our environment and natural resources. Unfortunately, Westernization has pushed us to denigrate these values, and that makes it easier for us to abuse them. Galamsey and all forms of environmental degradation are things we must resist.”
Through Ladimeh, Junourgh advocates for a reconnection with African traditions, hoping readers will recognize that solutions for Africa’s challenges should come from within. This message is embedded in the novel’s narrative of a young community, Buulu, under attack by slave raiders.
With a vivid account of survival, suffering, and defiance, Junourgh portrays the tragic separation of families and the brutal reality of the slave trade while celebrating the tenacity of the human spirit.
Where to Find Ladimeh, Abandoned African Slave
Junourgh fans can pick up a copy of Ladimeh, Abandoned African Slave at notable historical and cultural sites such as Elmina Castle, Cape Coast Castle, and Mole National Park’s Zaina Lodge. Copies are also available at the Movenpick Hotel in Accra, EXTEE Hotel in Bolgatanga, Legon Bookshop, and Salaga Museum.
In Ladimeh, Abandoned African Slave, Ishmael Junourgh extends his legacy of creating literature that is as much about entertainment as it is about empowerment. His work serves as a call for Africa to reclaim its pride, resist cultural erasure, and tell its own stories – stories of strength, endurance, and an unwavering sense of identity.