Renowned Ghanaian poet, playwright, and academician, Professor Ama Ata Aidoo, who passed away at the age of 81 on May 31, 2023, was honored with a dignified state burial service on Thursday. The ceremony took place at the forecourt of the State House in Accra.
The event was attended by several prominent figures, including President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, former President John Dramani Mahama, Dr. Ibn Chambas (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).
Led by the Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church Ghana, Most Rev. Dr. Paul Boafo, a large group of clergy officiated the service. It drew an audience consisting of government ministers, Members of Parliament, members of academia, high-ranking military officials, family, and friends.
In his tribute, President Akufo-Addo quoted an African proverb, stating that the passing of an elder signifies the loss of a library of knowledge. However, he emphasized that this could not be said about Ama Ata Aidoo, who was not only a knowledgeable teacher but also a celebrated poet, dedicated public servant, and exceptional writer. President Akufo-Addo reminisced about their friendship during their time as students at the University of Ghana, Legon in the 1960s.
The president highlighted Aidoo's significant contributions to Ghana and Africa through her work, expressing that her writings captured the essence of Ghanaian and African experiences. Throughout the ceremony, some of Aidoo's poems were recited, hymns were sung by the Methodist Church, and the Winneba Youth Choir performed songs.
A beautifully designed 143-page brochure was distributed, showcasing memorable pictures of Aidoo with world leaders, classmates, colleagues, and family members. The brochure also included tributes written by renowned figures such as Wole Soyinka, Efua Sutherland, Anne Adams, as well as tributes from family members.
During her tribute, Aidoo's daughter, Kinna Nana Adjoa Kwesiwa Likimani, described her mother's remarkable impact on the education of women and girls. She praised Aidoo's Pan-Africanism, feminism, socialism, and her unwavering acceptance and support of marginalized individuals. Likimani emphasized that Aidoo's courage and clarity of purpose made her an unstoppable force. She fondly recalled her mother's stubbornness, dubbing her the "Founder of Stubborn Academy" and "She Who Will Not Be Moved."
In his sermon, Rev. Dr. Paul Boafo urged others to emulate Aidoo's commitment to fighting for the rights of others, just as she did through her writings and speeches. He emphasized the importance of leading a good and exemplary life, reminding everyone of the inevitability of death and the subsequent judgment.
The Ghana Navy presented wreaths to seven designated individuals, who laid them on behalf of the state, chiefs and people, Aidoo's daughter, the clergy, the writers' association, and Wesley Girls High School. The casket, adorned with the colors of the Ghanaian flag, was carried by officers and men of the Ghana Navy in a solemn procession to a waiting hearse. It would be transported to Abeadze Kayaker in the Central Region for the burial on Saturday.
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