Prof Ama Ata Aidoo died on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, at age 81.

In attendance was President Nana Akufo-Addo, former President John Dramani Mahama; the African Union High Representative for Silencing the Guns, Dr Ibn Chambas; Chief of Staff at the Office of the President, Akosua Frema Osei Opare, and the 2020 NDC running mate, Prof Jane Naana Opoku Agyeman.

Officiated by a large retinue of clergy led by the Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church Ghana, Most Rev. Dr Paul Boafo, it also attracted ministers of state, Members of Parliament, some members of academia, the military top brass, family and friends.

Reading a tribute, President Akufo-Addo quoted an African saying that: “Every time an elder dies, a library burns with him,” meaning when an elder passes on some amount of stored knowledge disappears.

He, however, explained that that could not be said about Ama Ata Aidoo who was a knowledgeable teacher, famous poet, flawless public servant and an outstanding writer, who possessed excellent mastery of the English language and put all into writing.

The President said the late professor was his contemporary in the 1960s when they were students at the University of Ghana, Legon and “someone with whom I enjoyed friendly and productive relations.”

President Akufo-Addo indicated that through her work, Ama Atta Aidoo made a tremendous contribution to the development of Ghana and Africa, and expressed so many of the feelings about the faith of Ghanaians and Africans.

The ceremony was interspersed with some of her poems, hymns by the Methodist Church and songs by the Winneba Youth Choir.

A 143-page gorgeously designed brochure which was distributed contained memorable pictures of her with some leaders around the world, classmates, colleagues and family members.

Tributes written by laureates such as Wole Soyinka, Efua Sutherland, Anne Adams, among others, as well as tributes by family members were also captured in the brochure.

She said her contribution towards the education of women and the girl-child, in general, was remarkable and that even though she never took up a gun in the African struggle for independence, her pen did the fighting for the liberation of the political and social consciousness of the African.

In her tribute, Kinna Nana Adjoa Kwesiwa Likimani, her only daughter, like her mum, used words to describe in colourful terms her relationship with her mum, which drew applause from the crowd.

She described her mum as a made-in-Ghana mum, whose Pan-Africanism, feminism, socialism, tolerance and acceptance of marginalised people were exemplary and that she would always say that the world was big enough to hold all kinds of people.

“These values, coupled with clarity and courage of purpose meant she was unstoppable and unwavering. She wrote us to freedom. Love and kindness don’t make you weak”. 

“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?, part of the tribute read.”

“As Uncle Kojo used to say, I have “a big mouth” so I’ll tell those gathered here today that you were the most stubborn person, period. Founder of Stubborn Academy. She Who Will Not Be Moved,” she added. 

Delivering the sermon, Rev. Dr Paul Boafo said just as Ama Ata Aidoo used her writings and speeches to fight for the right of others, including domination of the Western world over Africa, others must emulate her example.

He urged that people should lead a good and exemplary life because death was inevitable and after death, as the holy Bible had stated, there would be judgement.

Female ladies of the Ghana Navy in a regimented fashion presented the wreaths to seven designated people who laid them on behalf of the state, the chiefs and people, her daughter, the clergy, the writers’ association and Wesley Girls High School.

Her casket, draped in the colours of the Ghana flag, was carried by the officers and men of the Ghana Navy to a waiting hearse in a well-rehearsed slow match to be transported to Abeadze Kyeakor in the Central Region for burial on Saturday.

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The esteemed writer, known for her literary contributions and activism, succumbed to a brief illness.

The Aidoo family, while grieving the loss, remains hopeful of the resurrection and requests privacy during this difficult time.

Prof. Ama Ata Aidoo was a highly influential figure in the literary world, leaving an indelible mark on African literature.

Her poignant works explored themes of identity, feminism, and cultural dynamics, earning her international acclaim.

Aidoo’s significant contributions to the literary landscape made her a role model for aspiring writers and intellectuals across the globe.

Born in the town of Abora Nkwanta, Aidoo’s passion for literature blossomed at an early age.

She went on to receive a prestigious education, obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Ghana.

Aidoo continued her studies in the United States, where she obtained a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Stanford University.

Throughout her career, Aidoo penned numerous notable works, including novels, plays, and poetry collections. Her novel “Changes: A Love Story” received critical acclaim and won the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize for Best Book in 1992.

Aidoo’s plays, such as “Anowa” and “Dilemma of a Ghost,” shed light on the complexities of post-colonial African society.

Beyond her literary achievements, Aidoo was a passionate advocate for women’s rights and gender equality.

Her efforts in championing these causes earned her widespread recognition and admiration.

She served as Ghana’s Minister of Education from 1982 to 1983, where she worked diligently to reform the education system and promote gender equity.

The Aidoo family kindly requests privacy during this period of mourning as they prepare the necessary funeral arrangements.

Details regarding the funeral will be shared with the public in due course.

The family remains grateful for the outpouring of love and support from friends, colleagues, and readers around the world.

Ebusuapanyin Kwamena Essandoh Aidoo, Head of the Nsona Family, issued the statement on behalf of the Aidoo family.

The profound loss of Prof. Ama Ata Aidoo will be deeply felt by all those who were touched by her wisdom, intellect, and immense talent.

Her enduring legacy will continue to inspire future generations of writers and thinkers in the pursuit of artistic excellence and social change.

The latest 15-track album of the artiste has received worldwide acclaim since it was released on Friday.

The Ghanaian scholar is touted as a proponent of positioning the African in the right light that tells the story of positivity, growth and rejecting western narratives that portray the African in the context of strife and hardship as history has shown.

‘Monsters You Made’, the 12th record on the album tows a similar line. With a catchy hook delivered by Coldplay’s Chris Martin, Burna Boy discusses the flaws that accompany white imperialism.

It would be recalled that the Nigerian rapper, singer and afrobeat artiste lost out to Angelique Kidjo with a close margin after being nominated for 2020 Grammys’ Best World Music Album.

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In her acceptance speech, the Beninese singer dedicated the award to him, saying: “Burna Boy is among those young artistes who come from Africa who is changing the way our continent is perceived.”

He seems to have taken a cue from it, channelling what seems like all of his creative energy into this 15-track masterpiece.

‘Monsters You Made’, features a 23-second snippet of the much-revered Ghanaian author and playwright, Ama Ata Aidoo’s rant during an interview on imperialism and its attendant effect on Africa.

“Since we met you people 500 years ago, look at us, we’ve given everything, you’re still taking. In exchange for that we have got nothing. Nothing! And you know it,” she says emphatically on the song.

Burna Boy, passionately raps “You know we come from a place, where people smile, but it is fake, how could they smile if you look around they are surrounded by pain.”

As a strong advocate for the independent thinking African, the award-winning novelist is a key proponent of rewriting the African narrative.

Coming from a continent that is often reminiscent of slavery and oppression Mrs Aidoo has written extensively in prose, poetry and plays in this regard.

The interview she granted in 1987 which has gone on to become iconic in the fight against breaking the effect of white imperialism, now features on this track.

After her rant, the interviewer moves to quiz: “Don’t you think it’s over now?”

The playwright retorts: “Over where? “Is it over?”

Social media users were quick to notice the explosive and meaningful impact of Burna Boy, Ama Ata Aidoo and Chris Martin on the track.

‘Twice As Tall’ was produced by P. Diddy, Burna Boy and Bosede Ogulu.

This album is indicative of what can be achieved when powerhouses from different facets of the arts industry combine talent and resources to create thought-provoking content that can reshape the thinking of the modern-day African.