Author Bismark Tutu Ani is urging Ghanaians to reconnect with their cultural identity through locally inspired storytelling, following the release of his new book “Amaniat of Monsters and Gods.”

Speaking in an interview, Ani described the book as more than a work of fiction, saying it is a reflection of African identity and a reimagining of humanity’s future through indigenous narratives and mythology.

He explained that the story explores how humanity might evolve thousands of years from now if Africans return to their roots, traditions, and original storytelling systems.

“We’ve just reimagined how we are now as a people and how we would be thousands of years in the future if we are to go back to our roots… It’s a tale of humanity, and we believe the human story began here in Africa,” he said.

Ani lamented that many Ghanaians are more exposed to foreign stories than local ones, arguing that this limits appreciation of African mythology and cultural history.

He said Amaniat of Monsters and Gods seeks to fill that gap by presenting readers with African perspectives that are often underrepresented in mainstream literature.

“A lot of Ghanaians enjoy stories, but most of the narratives they consume are imported… This gives readers a perspective of their own culture and history,” he noted.

Responding to critics who suggest the book may be “too late” for his generation, Ani maintained that the work remains relevant to both local and international audiences.

He also highlighted the richness of African mythology, arguing that it deserves greater global recognition alongside widely known mythological traditions.

“I heard someone talking about Thor and Zeus, and I can tell you there are African gods that will put all those characters to shame,” he said, adding that African stories have strong potential to inspire global audiences.

Ani further called for unity among Ghanaians through storytelling, stressing that diverse ethnic identities should contribute to a shared national narrative.

He said the book encourages readers to appreciate both their individual and collective histories as part of a broader Ghanaian identity.

“Whether you are Akan or from any other group, we are all Ghanaians, and together we have a full story to tell,” he added.

The author believes Amaniat of Monsters and Gods will help redefine how African stories are told and inspire a renewed interest in indigenous narratives across the continent.