Prof. Lade Wosornu’s ‘The Casebook of Dr. O. P. Asem’ launched to mark World Theatre Day 2025

On Thursday, March 27, was World Theatre and in celebration of the day was the unveiling of a literary work of renowned playwright, Professor Lade Wosornu at the Ghana Academy of Arts Sciences in Accra.

The event which was organised by the Pan African Writers, Ghana Association of Writers and the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences with support from the Creative Arts Agency, was a healthy environment to review Prof. Wosornu’s collection of short plays “The Casebook of Dr. O. P. Asem”.

 The collection first published in 1981 (Sedco) and reprinted in 2024 (by Adwinsa Publications Ghana Ltd) uses the power of literature (drama) to address relevant and sensitive health/social topics ranging from reproductive health issues to addiction.

The event, dubbed “The Unveiling and Review of ‘Dr. O.P. Asem” hosted dramatic reading from the book, panels review, conversation with Professor Ladé Wosornu and unveiling of the book of focus.

Panelists were Dr. Wale Okediran (Secretary General, Pan African Writers Association; Melody Esiawonam Boateng (National Professional Officer, Natural Sciences Sector, UNESCO Office in Accra); Adjoa Yenyi (Programme Specialist, Adolescent & Youth, UNFPA); and Linda Ampah (Author, Pieces of the Portrait).

In a presentation, Mr. Carl Ampah, the National Programme Officer (culture) at UNESCO Ghana, who represented the Country Representative of UNESCO, Edmond Moukala said, “This event, coinciding with World Theatre Day, not only pays tribute to an exceptional literary figure but also recognizes the transformative power of storytelling and literary writing in shaping societies, preserving cultural heritage, and fostering sustainable development.”

According to him, “Professor Lade Wosornu exemplifies the harmonious integration of science and the arts. As a distinguished surgeon, poet, essayist, and educator, his career embodies the principles of STEAM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), demonstrating the innovative potential that emerges when diverse disciplines intersect.”

He added that Prof Wosornu’s collection of dramatic works, “interspersed with his ability to weave intellect with creativity, leaves an indelible mark on generations of readers and thinkers. His literary works, much like his medical practice, delve into the complexities of human experience, ethics, and justice, bridging analytical rigor with profound emotional and philosophical insights. His rich poetry, including classics such as “Desert Rivers,” enriches both Ghanaian and global literature, offering reflections on identity, morality, and the human condition.”

According to the Executive Secretary of Creative Art Agency of Ghana, Mr Gideon Aryeequaye, pledged his outfit’s commitment to the development, support and promotion of the Ghanaian creative space.

“We are particularly aware that the core mandate to preserve and promote our indigenous cultural values is a critical responsibility of art, obviously the playwright not exempted: as he or she as a creative god, is able to create a world with fiction to tell a story.”

“It is in this light, that  in commemorating the 2025 World Theatre Day, we are happy to be part of this all-important event, “Unveiling of The Casebook of Dr. O.P.Asem,” to celebrate one of Ghana’s greatest legends who has defied the myth to prove that art is science and science is art… this emphasized in an ode to African poets “Dear Wind” by one of Ghana’s young poets that “I am Ladé Wosornu—the gate between the arts and sciences!,” he stated.

The event was graced by hundreds of participants including prominent personalities such as Hon. Hackman Owusu Agyemang, Professor Wellington, Dr. Mensah, Mr. Oppong Amponsah (CEO of Adwinsa Pubblications), Rex Marfo aka  Rex Omar, Presidential Staffer of Black Star Experience” and Mr. Wakefield Wisdom Ackuaku, the Ag. Executive Director of National Commission on Culture (NCC).

Some of the participants were students from Korle Bu Nursing and Midwifery Training College; English Department of the University of Ghana; Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School; Accra Girls SHS; Holy Trinity Cathedral and some selected basic schools.