Elizabeth-Irene Baitie is a Ghanaian author and medical laboratory director. She holds an MSc in Clinical Biochemistry with Molecular Biology from the University of Surrey.
Her first children’s book, A Saint in Brown Sandals, won the Macmillan Writer’s Prize for Africa. Her subsequent young adult novels— The Twelfth Heart, The Dorm Challenge, Rattling in the Closet, and The Lion’s Whisper— were awarded the Burt Award for African Young Adult Literature. She has had eight novels published to date, and she lives in Accra.
Baitie’s most recent book, Flying Up The Mountain, is a sequel to Crossing The Stream, published in 2023. The novel focuses on the adventures of three friends – Ato, Leslie and Dzifa. All three have been selected to visit Nnoma, the bird sanctuary that Ato’s father helped build before he died. Ato is convinced that his father hid something valuable on the island, meant only for him. When the trio arrives at Nnoma with other children from across West Africa, they are split into teams and given missions to help broaden their knowledge of nature. The winners will become Asafo—ambassadors of Nnoma and defenders of the Earth. But then the adults running Nnoma start behaving erratically, and Ato suspects foul play. When the trio uncovers a sinister plot to exploit the sanctuary, Ato and his friends must work together to protect it—and his father’s legacy.
We spoke to Baitie about Flying Up The Mountain, climate change in Africa, Ghanaian folklore, and juggling two careers.
Where did this story come from?
From the love of my grandmother. I wish every child had the kind of grandma that I had. She wasn’t perfect, but she was still a woman who built others up in everything that was strong, brave, wise, loving, nurturing and generous. And she had a deep respect for the earth and its natural treasures.
How did your writing process differ from your last project?
In writing Crossing the Stream, I had to feel my way through an ocean of ideas. This meant that during the editorial phase, a big rewrite (read: drastic changes in the plotline and huge shifts in characters and roles) had to be done before the story took its current delightful form. (A big thank you to my editor Helen Thomas for opening my eyes to what was possible!) By the time I was writing Flying up the Mountain, I had a fairly solid idea of the plot direction (there was an island to save!) so the revision process was less brutal.
Were there any story blocks?
Actually, my biggest problem (as always) was how much of my original idea to leave out. I had to take a step back to do some ruthless cutting. This was not a problem as I’d had practice from Crossing the Stream.
Which parts of the story just flowed effortlessly for you when you were writing?
The interactions between my main character (12-year-old Ato) and his friends. Leslie and Dzifa. They’re so real to me; it felt as if I had them right in front of me while I was telling the story.
Which character is closest to you and how you see the world?
That would have to be Nana, Ato’s grandma – because a lot of what she said were echoes in my head from conversations with my own grandma. I’d like to think I have something of her in me.
The plot and unfolding of events in Flying Up The Mountain also dwell on the perils that come with climate change. Is there a conversation to be had, from an African perspective? Does the fact that we produce the least emissions mean that we shouldn’t care too much? Is the West placing too much of a burden?
No corner of the world is excluded from the environmental conversation. In the not-so-long run, the environmental policies of each country impact everyone. I write about the island of Nnoma, but this island is connected to the world, and so it is with each country – landlocked, coastal, or island. We all collectively need to care about climate change and be intentional about cleaner, greener ways of living, not just for those of us alive today, but for the generations to come.
The adventures of Ato and his friends unfold in a manner similar to the ordeals of Ananse in Ghanaian folklore. What kind of stories inspired you growing up, and in catering to young audiences, do you draw inspiration from old folk stories?
As a child, I read widely. Anything in print was a magnet to me. Most of the literature available in Ghanaian bookshops was from Europe or the USA, and my father did a great job satisfying my reading appetite with these. Although there were not many local stories in print to enjoy, storytelling was still very popular within families, schools, and communities. This meant there was no shortage of recounters of Ananse stories and other folktales, all of which excited my imagination. My own storytelling draws from this broad background – a wide range of influences coming together to shape my perspective as a storyteller.
You have a full, thriving career in the sciences, and in your last two books, there are chapters where the protagonists interact with nature, chemical resources, and biohazards. At what point did you make peace with the fact that both your worlds (science and literature) will always collide?
Years ago, after finishing university, I made peace with the fact that writing and storytelling would always be a central part of my life— the only way I would feel some balance. My background in science and my literary side feed into each other and I’ve simply accepted that juggling the two careers is my way of life. It’s a bit like having two very different children. They both require my love and attention.
Flying Up the Mountain tells the story of a paradise for birds and nature that is under threat from saboteurs. Did you also intend it to be a metaphor for Africa’s resources and colonial imperialism, or would we be reading too much into it by doing so?
It’s not so much about colonial imperialism but more about shining a spotlight on how we, on the African continent, manage the incredible resources we’ve been gifted with. Our own poor stewardship, greed, and short-sightedness are often at play in the exploitation of our natural resources. I don’t want to point to external powers, although they are also part of this untidy mix. Ultimately, I believe that we give others permission to treat us respectfully or otherwise.
In Flying Up the Mountain and its prequel Crossing The Stream, you point to children doing great work in protecting the environment. To what extent is there a consciousness of this in Ghana, and on the African continent at large? Is the role of children in environmental conservation not heralded enough?
I feel that environmental issues often don’t get the attention they deserve on the African continent, largely because other equally pressing concerns – poorly resourced schools, inadequate sanitation and healthcare services, poverty, street children, refugees, and regional warring – take up so much space in the arena of needs. The voices advocating for the environment are often drowned out by these challenges.
I hope this story about the beautiful island of Nnoma heightens awareness of environmental issues within children and excites them to explore and fall in love with the great outdoors. Spending time out in nature, especially in childhood, is known to sensitise children about environmental issues, making them more likely to advocate for a greener planet as they grow up.
You are two books into the adventures of Ato, Dzifa and Leslie. Are you looking at a trilogy? Are there prospects of a franchise, re Harry Potter?
Absolutely! There will definitely be another book. These 3 Asafo, protectors of the earth, have only just gotten started, and a big adventure is on the way.
GETTING TO KNOW YOU …
What are you watching? The cedi-dollar exchange rate. Actually, in my spare time, I spend too much time talking on the phone to watch anything. Yes, I know I’m missing out on a lot of good stuff.
What are you reading? Petina Gappah’s An Elegy for Easterly (Collection). Grim, but gripping. Before that, I read Mo Issah’s Mid Life Shift. Honest and illuminating. I highly recommend both. Next on my list is White House Clubhouse by Sean O’Brien.
The last film you watched? Conclave. 2 hours well-spent. I didn’t even mind that my footrest in the cinema didn’t work.
The last play you saw? An Ebo Whyte play in Accra earlier this year. He guarantees a timely start and good laughs.
The last live music event? A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols from Christmas 2024. Does that count?
What’s currently on your playlist? Joe Mettle’s Bo Noo Ni (because I live in perpetual thanks to God) and Spyro’s Who is Your Guy? (ft Tiwa Savage) because I love to dance.
What podcast are you listening to? The Resilient Mind by Joe Dispenza, and Writer Unleashed by Nanci Panuccio.
What’s on your bucket list? If it’s fun, comes with great company and involves good food and scenic views, then consider that it’s on my bucket list.
Where’s your happy place? A long peaceful walk, with my phone and music, and a fruit tart at the end of it.
Celebrate someone else… Dad, thank you for being my lifelong encourager.
Celebrate yourself… Eight books, seven awards and two Kirkus stars. I’m grateful.
What’s next? Book No 9. It focuses on a 12-year-old girl who discovers her town has a big problem, and is waiting for her to fix it. My first time writing magical realism (No pressure, right?)
Where can we find you? Facebook – Elizabeth-Irene Baitie, Instagram – @elizabeth_irene_baitie
Where can we watch you at work? In the spare bedroom of our home, by the window facing the garden and the empty dog kennel (our dogs roam the grounds wild and unleashed).
Flying Up The Mountain, published by Nigerian publisher Cassava Republic Press, is available to order here.