They told us
to chew our tongues like bitter kola
until our silence grows sweet.
But this place—
this place is a loud one.
Have you heard Kejetia at noon?
It is thunder in human form—
claps of shouted sermons from pastors
immune to their contradictions,
insults flying at passing cars,
laughter of market women
All tumbling together like river stones
to ears that refuse to catch sound.
The jingle of anklets,
the hum of waist beads,
the look on a Kotoko fan’s face
when Hearts is winning two-nil at halftime,
old men under mahogany shades
slapping dame boards with victory.
They told us joy was foreign.
But see—
see how we laugh with our whole chests.
Like hibiscus bursting red in late April.
Like the boy who chalks the interface
of Microsoft Word 2004 on a cracked board.
Like the seamstress stitching slogans into church clothes.
Even grief here wears colour.
Even mourning dances in the backyard
when the drum speaks.
Scott Frost is a young poet and a Biomedical Sciences student from Ghana with a deep interest in social justice, human rights, and African heritage. He began writing poetry in his early teens as a way of expressing personal thoughts, but over time, it evolved into a powerful tool for advocacy and storytelling. His work often explores themes of identity, memory, injustice, love, and hope, drawing inspiration from the oral traditions of Ghana and the lived experiences of people around him.
Beyond poetry, Scott is passionate about art and music, using multiple forms of creativity to reimagine narratives and amplify underrepresented voices. He believes in the transformative power of storytelling to challenge stereotypes and build new possibilities for Ghana and Africa. Scott shares much of his writing through his Instagram account, where he continues to create work that is both personal and socially resonant.
IG: @iamjoe._._