Funeral Service Held for Poet and Playwright Ama Ata Aidoo
On Thursday, July 13, a solemn and fitting state burial ceremony took place at the Forecourt of the State House in Accra to honor the distinguished Ghanaian poet, playwright, and academic, Professor Ama Ata Aidoo.
Prof Ama Ata Aidoo passed away on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, at the age of 81.
Among the attendees were 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.
The service was officiated by a large group of clergy, led by Most Rev. Dr Paul Boafo, the Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church Ghana. It drew ministers of state, Members of Parliament, members of academia, high-ranking military officials, as well as family and friends.
During the ceremony, President Akufo-Addo delivered a tribute, quoting an African proverb that states: “Every time an elder dies, a library burns with him.” He explained that this couldn’t be said about Ama Ata Aidoo, as she was a knowledgeable teacher, renowned poet, exceptional public servant, and outstanding writer who possessed excellent command of the English language and expressed herself through writing.
President Akufo-Addo mentioned that he and Ama Ata Aidoo were contemporaries in the 1960s when they were both students at the University of Ghana, Legon, and enjoyed a friendly and productive relationship.
He acknowledged the tremendous contribution Ama Ata Aidoo made to the development of Ghana and Africa through her work, expressing that she gave voice to the thoughts and sentiments of Ghanaians and Africans.
The ceremony featured readings of some of her poems, hymns by the Methodist Church, and songs by the Winneba Youth Choir.
A beautifully designed 143-page brochure, which was distributed, included memorable photographs of Ama Ata Aidoo with world leaders, classmates, colleagues, and family members. It also contained tributes written by laureates such as Wole Soyinka, Efua Sutherland, Anne Adams, and others, as well as tributes from family members.
In her tribute, Kinna Nana Adjoa Kwesiwa Likimani, Ama Ata Aidoo’s only daughter, used vivid language to describe her relationship with her mother, earning applause from the crowd. She described her mother as a quintessentially Ghanaian figure, embodying Pan-Africanism, feminism, socialism, and a spirit of tolerance and acceptance toward marginalized individuals. She would always say that the world was vast enough to accommodate all kinds of people.
“These values, combined with clarity and unwavering determination, made her unstoppable,” Likimani expressed. “She wrote us to freedom. Love and kindness do not make you weak.”
Likimani added, “Mummy, countless wonderful things are being said about you. If you were here, you would be incredulous and ask, ‘Are they saying these amazing words about me?'”
Quoting “Uncle Kojo,” Likimani playfully remarked, “I have ‘a big mouth,’ so I’ll tell everyone gathered here today that you were the most stubborn person, period. The Founder of the Stubborn Academy. She Who Will Not Be Moved.”
During the sermon, delivered by Rev. Dr Paul Boafo, it was emphasized that, just as Ama Ata Aidoo used her writings and speeches to advocate for the rights of others and challenge Western dominance over Africa, others should follow her example.
He urged people to live good and exemplary lives because death is inevitable, and according to the holy Bible, there will be judgment after death.
Female members of the Ghana Navy presented wreaths in a disciplined manner to seven designated individuals who placed them on behalf of the state, the chiefs and people, her daughter, the clergy, the writers’ association, and Wesley Girls High School.
Ama Ata Aidoo’s casket, adorned with the colors of the Ghana flag, was carried by officers and men of the Ghana Navy in a meticulously choreographed slow march to a waiting hearse. It would be transported to Abeadze Kyeakor in the Central Region for burial on Saturday.”