Ben
On Thursday, a dignified and state burial ceremony was held at the forecourt of the State House in Accra to honor the renowned Ghanaian poet, playwright, and academician, Professor Ama Ata Aidoo. Professor Aidoo, who passed away on May 31, 2023, at 81, was given a solemn farewell.
The service was attended by notable individuals including President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, former President John Dramani Mahama, Dr. Ibn Chambas, the African Union High Representative for Silencing the Guns, Akosua Frema Osei Opare, Chief of Staff at the Office of the President, and Prof Jane Naana Opoku Agyeman, the 2020 NDC running mate. Many distinguished guests were present, such as ministers of state, Members of Parliament, members of academia, high-ranking military officials, as well as family and friends.
A large group of clergy led by Most Rev. Dr Paul Boafo, the Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church Ghana officiated the ceremony. President Akufo-Addo paid tribute to the late professor, citing an African saying that emphasizes the loss of knowledge when an elder passes away. However, he highlighted that this did not apply to Ama Ata Aidoo, who was a knowledgeable teacher, renowned poet, impeccable public servant, and exceptional writer. President Akufo-Addo knew and cherished their friendship since their days as students at the University of Ghana, Legon in the 1960s.
President Akufo-Addo acknowledged Ama Ata Aidoo’s significant contributions to the development of Ghana and Africa through her literary works, which expressed the thoughts and aspirations of Ghanaians and Africans. The ceremony featured recitations of some of her poems, hymns by the Methodist Church, and performances by the Winneba Youth Choir.
A beautifully designed 143-page brochure was distributed, showcasing memorable pictures of Ama Ata Aidoo with world leaders, classmates, colleagues, and family members. The brochure also included tributes from laureates such as Wole Soyinka, Efua Sutherland, and Anne Adams, along with heartfelt messages from family members.
In a touching tribute, Ama Ata Aidoo’s only daughter, Kinna Nana Adjoa Kwesiwa Likimani, eloquently described her mother’s remarkable qualities, including her dedication to the education of women and the marginalized. She praised her mother’s Pan-Africanism, feminism, socialism, tolerance, and acceptance, emphasizing her unwavering commitment to freedom and justice. Kinna Nana Adjoa Kwesiwa Likimani also shared humorous anecdotes, reflecting her mother’s stubbornness and indomitable spirit.
During the sermon delivered by Rev. Dr. Paul Boafo, it was emphasized that Ama Ata Aidoo’s legacy should inspire others to use their words and actions to advocate for the rights of others, as she had done throughout her life. The congregation was reminded of the inevitability of death and the subsequent judgment, urging them to lead virtuous lives.
In a solemn display, female members of the Ghana Navy presented wreaths to seven designated individuals who laid them on behalf of various groups, symbolizing respect and remembrance. The casket, draped in the colors of the Ghanaian flag, was then carried by officers and men of the Ghana Navy in a meticulously choreographed procession to a waiting hearse. It would be transported to Abeadze Kyeakor in the Central Region for burial on Saturday.
_
Source: Omanghana.com
