Ayi Kwei Armah's criticism of post-colonial Ghana on "The Beautyful Ones Are Not Yet Born"

Abstract

In 1957 newly independent Ghana under the leadership of Kwane Nkrumah — acknowledged as, „Osagyefo” — „the Redeemer” —, adopts a socialistic system with limited success. Ultimately, Ghana descends into a dictatorial state. Later, debutant novelist Ayi Kwei Armah publishes The Beautyful Ones Are Not Yet Born (1968), a politically-engaged novel in which corruption and moral decay are ubiquitously depicted. This paper presents the kinds and styles of criticism Armah uses to present doubt and scepticism about life in a newly independent post-colonial Ghana.