“Would you judge a man who divorces his wife right after her kidnappers release her? To be fair, you have to know the full story to do so.”
Velma Otchwemah, a 20-year-old author, has officially launched her debut novel titled “Sacrosanctum”, a work already drawing attention for its depth and originality.
The book explores themes of faith, resilience, self-discovery, and justice, and is described as a thought-provoking piece that challenges readers while sparking meaningful conversations.
It also highlights issues of divine protection, violation, and the complexity of human relationships, weaving them together through a multi-perspective narrative style that keeps readers intrigued.
At the launch event, Otchwemah revealed that “Sacrosanctum” was inspired by her love for writing and exploring different aspects of life.
The author affirms that her life experiences have little to do with the storyline, but rather, it is a work of creativity.
Ultimately, she hopes to write fiction that will drive change and capture real-life experiences intertwined with creative storytelling.
The title, derived from the Latin word meaning “sacred” or “inviolable,” reflects the book’s core message of valuing principles and truths that should never be compromised.
The novel also captures certain nuances such as workplace toxicity, unfair power play and traces of corruption.
Family, friends, and members of the literary community gathered to celebrate the milestone, commending the young author’s courage and dedication in bringing her vision to life at such a young age.
Otchwemah expressed her hope that “Sacrosanctum” will resonate with readers from diverse backgrounds, encouraging them to reflect on their values, embrace creativity, and confront pressing social issues.
The book is now available at the University of Ghana bookshop, EPP Bookshop, and through online platforms such as Amazon.
About the Author
Velma Otchwemah, born and raised in Accra, Ghana, is an avid reader of African literature and draws inspiration from authors such as Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Ama Ata Aidoo.
From childhood, she dreamed of becoming a novelist, and by the age of 13, she had already begun working toward her writing career. At 20, she successfully published her debut work, “Sacrosanctum.”
Beyond her literary pursuits, Otchwemah is a law student at the University of Ghana School of Law, where she is currently pursuing her LLB degree. She is also an alumna of St. Rose’s Senior High School in Akwatia, Eastern Region.
Though she has multiple interests, Otchwemah is steadily carving out a niche for herself as both a writer and a budding lawyer.
Her long-term ambition is to excel as a legal practitioner while establishing herself as a prolific voice in African literature.
