Playwright Mr Mohammed Dauda launched his maiden book in Accra last Sunday. Titled Chattel, the 196 page book when disjoined simply means ‘Chat’ and ‘Tell’.

The book speaks about slavery and emancipation in the late Fifteenth Century where Aggrey Tandoh, a prince of a kingdom, defies the orders of his father by freeing the slaves.

Aggrey dreams of travelling abroad in his pursuit of freedom. Along the line, he falls in love with a slave and, because of his choices; his royal status is stripped, affecting his chances of travelling abroad.

Speaking about what prompted him to put down such piece, Dauda said that in one way or the other, “there are numerous trials which people encountered in their lives hence such a piece.”

He noted that the play was dedicated to the souls that perished and the families that broke through slavery. He, therefore, extended his gratitude to Mr Prince Mensah, President of the Ghana Writer’s Marathon, for giving him the opportunity to have his work published.

This was his first official publication aside others on various social media platforms.

Some of the audience, graced the occasion by performing excerpts of the play as well as poetry recitals.

Mr. Dauda is a teacher and a writer. His writing skills and style are widely sought after. Enthralling, outstanding, thought-provoking and creative are the traits that define him.

He has successfully published articles, short stories and poems on social media and online portals (notable one being the Publisher Online).

The playwright informed his fans to keep their fingers crossed and expect more of his works.

Chattel sells at GH¢60 cedis.

By Yunusah Essandoh