Writing changed the face of the world – Lebanese Ambassador inspires students at UG seminar
The Lebanese Ambassador to Ghana, His Excellency Maher Kheir, has underscored the transformative power of writing, describing it as a timeless force that continues to shape cultures, connect people and drive social progress across civilisations.
Speaking at a special seminar jointly organised by the Embassy of Lebanon and the School of Languages at the University of Ghana, Ambassador Kheir called on students to embrace their creative potential and use writing as a tool to share the Ghanaian story with the world.
“Writing changed the face of the world because it affects every aspect of social living. It is as old as the beginning of time, yet as relevant as ever. Writers are explorers, ambassadors and culture shapers,” he said.
The seminar, held under the theme “Echoes of the Three Brave Souls”, featured Lebanese writer Mrs. Fatima Hamdan Jouni, who shared insights from her latest book. The event forms part of the Lebanese Embassy’s broader scholarship and academic exchange programme aimed at strengthening Ghana-Lebanon cultural ties.
Ambassador Kheir described writers as bridges between people and civilisations. “Through the writer’s mind, we can travel the world, touch new destinations and dimensions, experience and adopt new cultures, and change society,” he remarked.
He noted that Lebanon’s literary prowess can be traced back to the Phoenician civilisation, credited with the creation of the alphabet. “It is no surprise that Lebanese are great writers… Beyond entrepreneurial acumen, we are also great storytellers,” he added.
Commending Mrs. Jouni for her lecture, he encouraged the students to take inspiration from her work. “I urge you therefore to start writing, no matter what. A word after a word is power. Find your inspiration and let it out. The world eagerly waits to read your story,” he said.
Mrs. Fatima Hamdan Jouni’s book, “Echoes of the Three Brave Souls”, explores themes of friendship, endurance, time and the pursuit of personal goals. She challenged students to persevere through life’s challenges and embrace their inner potential to achieve greatness.
In a spirited question-and-answer session, students and lecturers engaged the author and the ambassador on the themes of the book and the broader purpose of storytelling in shaping national identity.
Dean of the School of Languages, Professor Josephine Dzahene-Quarshie, welcomed the partnership, describing it as “essential for deepening academic and cultural cooperation between Lebanese and Ghanaians.” She praised the initiative for helping to bridge the gap between academia and real-world engagement.
Now in its 12th year, the Lebanese Scholarship Programme continues to support outstanding Ghanaian students in various fields including law, journalism, languages, performing arts, public relations, and film. Beneficiary institutions include the Ghana School of Law, University of Ghana, and the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC).
The mini-seminar series remains one of the flagship educational outreach efforts by the Embassy of Lebanon, promoting intellectual and cultural exchange while inspiring young Ghanaians to contribute meaningfully to literature and national development.
