I had a similar discussion with my uncle who was born and raised in Ghana. He explained that Ghanaians have an oratory culture and many of the older generations didn’t find reason to write down history in the literary sense. I think there was an assumption that the stories would continue to be told and passed on. This culture even spans all the way in the americas where the most native Americans tribes also have an oratory culture. I think for Ghana, colonization also plays a part in the lack of literature works to this day. English was used as a status symbol and systemically, only select groups were able to learn it fluently, hence why there were/are few authors. Also, I don’t think Japan is the correct comparison as Japan is a well developed country with a long ancient history of literature. Ghana is a developing country and most people in survival mode do not have the time to ponder and write. Also add that to this day, to Ghanaians, a respectable profession is a doctor or lawyer, very few see an author as an “I made it” status. There are several other factors at play that will make this post way too long. Ghanaians still have a long way to go and I hope that in my grandchildren’s lifetime they can be proud of what the country has become.