Ama Ata Aidoo was a “Big Ghanaian” – Akufo-Addo
The late Ghanaian dramatist, poet, novelist and short story writer Ama Ata Aidoo died at the age of 83 on 31 May 2023 after a short illness
President Akufo-Addo says the late Professor Ama Ata Aidoo was a “Big Ghanaian” who had a reach that extended beyond the shores of Ghana.
The late writer, according to President Akufo-Addo, will be missed by the African continent and, indeed, the world.
Aidoo, one of Ghana’s greatest dramatists, poets, novelists and short story writers, died at the age of 83 on Wednesday 31 May 2023 after a short illness.
Education as a must
In his eulogy at the state funeral for her held on the forecourt of State House in Accra today (Thursday 13 July 2023), President Akufo-Addo also described Ama Ata Aidoo as his contemporary in the 1960s at the University of Ghana, one with whom he enjoyed friendly and productive relations.
“Ama’s brief and only foray into formal politics saw her being appointed secretary for education in 1982 in the Provisional National Defence Council Government of the man who, subsequently, became the first president of the Fourth Republic, His Excellency Jerry John Rawlings.
“She took up that position because she wanted to get the majority of the Ghanaian population, especially the girl child, educated.
“She was certain that if our nation desired the skills that are required to compete in a modern economy, and if we also desired to gain the self-confidence that comes from being truly independent, providing access to education for all Ghanaians, especially women and children, was a must. Education, for her, provided the fastest route out of poverty,” President Akufo-Addo said.
Power of the pen
“In those tumultuous days, it became apparent that she could not easily realise this goal, so she graciously exited government. Failure, for her, however, was never an option, and she went back to pursue the path for which she was known.
“Even though she never took up a gun in Africa’s struggle for independence, her pen did the fighting in helping to ensure the liberation of the political and social consciousness of the African.
“Her life’s work was a classic example of the oft-cited adage ‘The pen is mightier than the sword’. Ama Ata Aidoo was a big Ghanaian, and had a reach that was beyond Ghana. We will miss her; the African continent and, indeed, the world will miss her,” President Akufo-Addo said.
“My wife, Rebecca, my children, my grandchildren and l express our sincerest condolences to her daughter, Kinna, whom she adored, to her family, and to all Ghanaians on this great loss. May God bless her and give her soul peaceful rest in the bosom of the Almighty until the Last Day of the Resurrection when we shall all meet again,” President Akufo-Addo said.
Writer-mother
In her tribute, the daughter of the late professor, Kinna Nana Adjoa Kwesiwa Likimani, said her mother was “Made in Ghana”, and many other things. She affectionately described Professor Aidoo as a very stubborn person and the founder of the Stubborn Academy.
“Mummy, a mountain of outstanding things is being said about you, all deserved. If you were here, you would be incredulous and ask, ‘They are saying these wonderful words about me?’
“As Uncle Kojo used to say, I have ‘a big mouth’ so I will tell those gathered here today that you were the most stubborn person, period. Founder of the Stubborn Academy. She who will not be moved. She-Who-Is-Sitting-Her-Somewhere II, ‘Kinna thinks I will do it, but I won’t.’ Breathe, Mummy ‘Do You Know That I Am Over 80?’
“Mummy, it’s a matter of perspective and gratitude, this your death. The Stoics ask: is the situation bad or is it your thinking that makes it so? Oh, it’s devastating. It’s not that the ground has collapsed under my feet. It’s that I need a whole other realm in which to exist. I feel dislocated from myself. But … If I’m here now, mourning you, then it means that you survived it all,” said Likimani in her tribute.
“I am grateful for your life, your words, your care and love. I am grateful for this very moment. We shared an impossible, enduring, encompassing bond and squeezed a lifetime of loving and friendship into those afternoons and evenings. We said it all to each other.
“I love you, Mummy.“
“I love you more, Kinna.”
“Writer-moms are the best and I had the best one yet! Gogo, as for your grandmothering dze, levels mu levels. Thank you for everything. I hope I was more comfort to you than trouble. You have earned your rest. Don’t be stubborn about it; drink lots of tea and rest well. Your ‘data of one’,” said Likimani, concluding her tribute.
High-profile turnout
In attendance were leading members of the government as well as the former president John Dramani Mahama and his 2020 running mate, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang.
Most Reverend Dr Paul Boafo, the Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church of Ghana, and Right Reverend Michael Bossman, the administrative bishop of the Methodist Church of Ghana, together with many other members of the clergy, officiated at the service.
Reporting by Wilberforce Asare in Accra
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