Author, advocate and artist Dr Abena Nyarkoa Asomaning has launched three books and auctioned a collection of her original paintings to support the work of the Angel-Zoe Foundation with incarcerated women, young people and people returning to their communities after prison.
The event, titled "In Full Bloom: Art, Words and Legacy," was held at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra and brought together representatives of the British and French High Commissions, the Bank of Ghana, members of the business community, development partners and supporters of the foundation.
The three books launched were Women's Leadership in Africa, The Shrewd You and Bloom. The paintings on display were auctioned during the evening, with proceeds from the sales supporting the foundation.
The event was chaired by His Royal Majesty Drolor Bosso Adamtey I, Se Mantse, Paramount King of the Shai Traditional Area, and moderated by broadcaster Frema Adunyame.
Speaking about Dr Asomaning's journey, His Royal Majesty said he had known her personally for many years and had watched her grow professionally.
"A book represents more than pages and ink. It represents the ideas, experiences and convictions of the person who wrote it. I have known Dr Asomaning personally for many years, and I have watched her grow professionally and continue to use her knowledge and experience in the service of others. To launch three books at once is a significant achievement, and it is even more meaningful because her work extends beyond writing," he said.
"Her work with incarcerated people, particularly women, and her commitment to helping people reintegrate into society remind us that leadership is also about service. Today, we are therefore celebrating not only three books and a collection of paintings, but a body of work that seeks to give people another opportunity," he added.
Reflecting on Women's Leadership in Africa, His Royal Majesty also welcomed the support of men for work that advances women's leadership.
"It is encouraging to see men supporting conversations about women's leadership. When women are given the opportunity to lead and contribute fully, families, institutions and communities benefit. We should all be willing to support that progress," he said.
The keynote address was delivered by Mrs Patience Baffoe-Bonnie, Director-General of the Ghana Prisons Service, who described creativity and culture as important pillars of national development. She encouraged guests to support people who use their talents to serve society and spoke about the importance of reintegrating former prisoners with dignity. "Please buy books. Kindly read them and share them," she told guests.
Dr Mrs Erika Mamley Osae reviewed Women's Leadership in Africa, describing it as an examination of African leadership from the perspective of women. "Leadership, like the elephant, looks different depending on where you are standing," she said. She noted that the book places historical queens and warriors alongside women leading in politics, business and communities today. Excerpts from the three books were read by Naa Ayeleysa Quaynor-Mettle.
Guests also watched two short films. "Beyond the Pages" explored the story of the Angel-Zoe Foundation, while "The Artist Within" followed Dr Asomaning's work as a painter. She was introduced to the audience by her daughter.
For Dr Asomaning, the evening was also a reflection on almost two decades of work with the prison service. Her research among juvenile offenders exposed concerns including prolonged detention and inadequate legal support for children. She subsequently established the Justice Civic Dialogues with the Judicial Training Institute, creating a space for justice institutions to discuss such challenges openly. Her years serving on a prison discharge board also shaped her understanding of what happens after incarceration.
"Freedom does not always feel like relief. Sometimes it is a rite of repair," she said.
Through the Angel-Zoe Foundation, Dr Asomaning's work includes providing food, healthcare, skills training, counselling and employment support to people leaving prison. The foundation also works to help former inmates rebuild relationships with families who may have rejected them. Its work extends to young people through monthly master classes for young women, while workshops for prison officers, including female officers, address issues such as United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325.
"There is so much goodness in there if you give them an opportunity," Dr Asomaning said. "Some of them didn't have to be in prison at all."
She recalled seeing former inmates go on to teach at universities and serve in the military abroad, reinforcing her belief in the importance of giving people opportunities beyond incarceration.
Dr Asomaning also expressed gratitude to the people who have supported her work over the years, including the men who have encouraged her efforts and the French government for supporting her doctoral studies in France.
The evening concluded with the auction of her paintings and the sale of the three books. Dr Asomaning thanked guests who supported the initiative by purchasing books and artwork and encouraged continued support for young people and incarcerated women as she enters her twentieth year of work with the prison service.
Mrs Baffoe-Bonnie closed her address with a simple wish: "May these books reach many readers."
The three books are available on Amazon.
