Martin Cameron Duodu, born 24 May 1937 is a Ghanaian novelist, journalist, editor, and broadcaster. He launched his literary career with the publication of The Gab Boys in 1967, a novel that reflects the tensions and hopes of post-colonial Ghanaian society. Known for its exploration of cultural conflict, political corruption, and individual resilience, the novel remains a significant contribution to West African literature.

Born in Asiakwa in eastern Ghana, Duodu was educated at Kyebi Government Senior School and completed his O- and A-Levels through correspondence with Rapid Results College in London. He began writing early, with his first story broadcast on Ghanaian radio and later published in the landmark 1958 anthology Voices of Ghana.

Duodu started as a student teacher and magazine writer before becoming a radio journalist with the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (1956–1960), eventually rising to editor of radio news. From 1960 to 1965, he edited the Ghana edition of Drum magazine and later the Daily Graphic, Ghana’s leading newspaper.

In addition to fiction, Duodu has written plays, poetry, and political commentary. His work has been featured in anthologies such as Messages: Poems from Ghana (1970). Over the decades, he contributed to The Observer, Financial Times, The Economist, The Guardian, The Independent, and BBC World Service. He has been a regular columnist for New African magazine and South African publications like Mail & Guardian and City Press, as well as Ghana’s Daily Graphic and Ghanaian Times.

Duodu frequently appears on BBC World TV and radio as a commentator on African politics and culture. In 2010, he took part in the symposium Empire and Me at Cumberland Lodge and contributed to the 2014 volume Essays in Honour of Wole Soyinka at 80.

He was married to dancer and choreographer Beryl Karikari, a descendant of Asante royalty. She passed away in 2007. Duodu has four sons, including Akwasi, a financial planner, and Korieh, a writer.

In recognition of his contributions, Duodu received the 2005 Ghana Professional Achievers Award for Communication and Media. He has been described as “one of Ghana’s best exports” and was named among “61 Influential Ghanaians in the Diaspora” by African Voice in 2018.

Reference: Wikipedia