Professor S. Kwame Offei, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (ASA), cutting a tape to symbolically open the newly named archives. Looking on are second from left Prof. Akosua Perbi, (Department of History and Daughter of Prof. J.H. Kwabena Nketia), Prof. Akosua Adomako Ampofo (Director of the Institute of African Studies), Mrs. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, (Deputy Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts), Prof. Samuel Agyei-Mensah, (Provost-College of Humanities), Prof. J.H. Kwabena Nketia and Mrs. Judith Opoku-Boateng (IAS Archivist).
The Institute of African Studies has held a ceremony to name its archives section in honour of renowned ethnomusicologist , composer and former Director of the Institute, Emeritus Professor J.H Kwabena Nketia.
Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie
The Deputy Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Mrs. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, in brief remarks, stressed on the importance of archives. She noted that archives ensure that the records of today are preserved for future generations, adding that archived records are useful materials for study and help in understanding the life, ideas and thoughts of their original creators, thus linking the past, present and future.
Mrs. Gomashie expressed the hope that the archives can help foster and promote the sense of community and identity among the people of Ghana.
Prof. J.H. Kwabena Nketia
On his part, Prof. Nketia, thanked the Institute for the honour bestowed him. He recalled some memorable moments during his working life and acknowledged some people who had impacted his life. Prof. Nketia mentioned in particular the role the late Dr. Kofi Abrefa Busia, former Prime Minister of Ghana, played in his life. He recounted how Prof. Busia provided him with a car, a driver, a tape recorder and a technician at the beginning of his career. He also paid tribute to his grandmothers for imparting traditional knowledge to him which he said had served him well in his career.
He encouraged the guests to visit the archives frequently so they can be abreast of relevant historical records.
The Pro-Vice-Chancellor in charge of Academic and Student Affairs (ASA) Professor S. Kwame Offei who chaired the function, later cut a tape to symbolically open the newly named archives.
A section of the guests at the ceremony
