A spider weaves its web not merely as an act of creation, but as a means of survival. This metaphor captures the very essence of Ivana Akotowaa Ofori, a Ghanaian storyteller whose art is both an expression of identity and a tool for navigating the world.
Known widely as “The Spider Kid,” a moniker she embraced in 2017, Akotowaa draws inspiration from the iconic figure of Kwaku Ananse: an emblem of wisdom, wit, and narrative power in Akan folklore. For her, the spider is a living metaphor for self-sufficiency, artistry, and the intricate, intentional work of storytelling.
Her fascination with Ananse’s origins, transformations, and cultural significance reflects her commitment to creating narratives that challenge conventions and amplify underrepresented voices.
Through fiction, non-fiction, and spoken word, she shares her truth with the world, weaving webs that hold space for complexity, cultural memory, and creative resistance.
Ivana’s storytelling journey is marked by a remarkable dedication to expertise and creativity. She is an alumna of the Clarion West writing workshop and has been shortlisted for prestigious awards, including the Miles Morland Writing Fellowship and the Nommo Awards. Her writing has appeared in esteemed anthologies such as Tor.com’s Africa Risen, Clinamen Editions’ Daring Shifts, and Flame Tree Publishing’s African Ghost Short Stories. Alongside these achievements, Ivana has continued to push boundaries with her personal projects, including the celebrated work, On the Ceiling.
On the Ceiling is another standout project by Ivan which reflects her innovative approach to storytelling. This 8-part collection, which revisits the beloved teenage trickster, Kuukua Annan, has received significant attention for its creative reimagining of Anansesɛm (traditional storytelling). On the Ceiling is freely available for download at ontheceiling.xyz, where readers can explore the revised stories and engage with Ivana’s fresh take on the narratives. The project exemplifies Ivana’s commitment to making her work accessible to all, regardless of financial circumstances, and serves as a testament to her creative evolution and passion for her skill.
She has also been published in online magazines like Jalada Africa and AFREADA, establishing herself as a prominent voice in contemporary African literature. Her dedication to exploring the complexities of African identity and mythology is evident in her extended essay, ANANSI, released by Flame Tree Press.
This comprehensive work, approximately 32,000 words long, delves into the folklore surrounding Kwaku Ananse, his cultural significance, and his influence on storytelling across West African and Caribbean cultures. The project was a culmination of extensive research and creative exploration, highlighting her commitment to preserving and reimagining cultural heritage. As her creative pursuits expanded into the realm of longer-form works, Ivana released her debut novella, The Year of Return, a work that solidified her place among contemporary African writers.
The Year of Return, Her debut novella, was published in 2024 by Android Press (USA) and Smartline Publishers (Ghana). This work was recognized as one of Brittle Paper’s 100 Notable African Books of 2024, further solidifying her status as a rising literary star.
In addition to this accolade, the novella has created memorable moments; one of which was a reading and book signing session with visiting students from Le Moyne College, a milestone that reflected the book’s growing resonance across audiences. She has promoted the novella through various readings and engagements that highlight her dynamic connection with readers.
Ivana Akotowaa Ofori has also contributed short stories to various anthologies, including The Legend of the 37 Bats in Flame Tree Press’s African Ghost Short Stories and Exiles of Witchery for Tor.com, inspired by her reflections on Ghana’s historical mistreatment of women accused of witchcraft. Her nonfiction work has been featured in And Morning Will Come, a collection of shortlisted stories from the 2017 Writivism competition published by Black Letter Media.
In addition to her literary achievements, Ivana is also a passionate musician and performer. In 2024, she released her first single in seven years, Heroes, during an electric live performance alongside vocal remarkable talents like Traygan and uzeiverse. She also collaborated on the album DON’T LOSE IT through the Black Girls Glow residency, celebrating Black girl creativity and resilience. Her affinity for collaboration and artistic growth is evident in her appreciation for the creative processes of others, which she documents on her Substack newsletter, The Spinneret.
Ivana’s creative influence extends farther than her writing and music. She actively participates in advocacy, lending her voice to social justice movements such as Free The Citizens and Stop Galamsey Now. Her commitment to justice and societal progress reflects her broader vision for art as a tool for empowerment and change. Her dedication to authenticity and creative freedom continues to define her journey. Be it through music, literature, or social advocacy, Ivana remains committed to challenging boundaries and amplifying the stories of her culture.
As the curator of the African Book Festival Berlin 2025, scheduled for July 18-20, she aims to celebrate speculative fiction from Ghana and the rest of the world, creating a platform for diverse voices to be heard and appreciated. With a body of work that transcends multiple genres and mediums, Ivana Akotowaa Ofori continues to establish herself as a formidable force in contemporary African storytelling.
