Former President John Dramani Mahama has launched the Russian language translation of his memoir, “My First Coup D’etat and Other Stories from the Lost Decades of Africa”, at the prestigious Russian Academy of Sciences in Moscow.
The book, first published in July 2012, is a personal and historical account of Mahama’s upbringing as a young African boy, as well as the political and economic turmoil that shaped Ghana and Africa between the 1970s and 1990s.
In his remarks, Mahama revealed that the book has also been translated into Portuguese, expanding its reach to a broader global audience. Mahama shared a poignant chapter from the book that he believed would resonate with the Russian audience, recounting his time as a student at the Institute of Social Sciences in Moscow during the era of Gorbachev and Perestroika.
He fondly recalled his philosophy lecturer, Mr. Gudoshnik, who adopted an unconventional approach to teaching, encouraging interactive discussions and debates. Mahama expressed his gratitude to the Russian Academy of Sciences, Comrade Dmitriy Savelyev, and the Russia-Ghana Parliamentary Friendship Association for their support in translating and launching the book.
He also acknowledged his friend and editor, Nana Ama Danquah, who encouraged him to share his stories with the world. Mahama encouraged the audience to read the book, promising an easy-to-read and journalistic account of the African experience that would satisfy their curiosity.
He hoped that the book would find a place in Russian academia, providing valuable insights into African history and culture. The launch event was attended by dignitaries, academics, and friends, marking a significant milestone in the sharing of African stories and experiences with the world.
