His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama
A number of activities to mark the first anniversary of the passing of the late Prof. Kofi Awoonor have begun at the University of Ghana. The opening ceremony which was held at the Great Hall of the University of Ghana was attended by the President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama. He was accompanied by the Chief of Staff, Mr. Prosper Bani and the Deputy Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie.
President Mahama recalled the devastating circumstances leading to the death of Prof. Awoonor, whom he described as a great poet and writer. He noted that Prof. Awoonor, was frank and had a great sense of humour, adding that his death continues to be a great loss to the country.
Prof. Kofi Anyidoho
In brief remarks, Prof. Kofi Anyidoho, Chairman for the ceremony noted that the late Prof. Awoonor built his whole life around the “final night”, a proverbial statement attributed to him.
Prof. Samuel Agyei-Mensah
The Provost of the College of Humanities, Prof. Samuel Agyei-Mensah, who represented the Vice-Chancellor, said the late Prof. Awoonor was a global figure, as well as a friend and colleague to many. He encouraged all to take part in the other activities lined up, which include an international symposium, a memorial night and the opening of a mausoleum in Prof. Awoonor’s honour at Wheta, his hometown.
There were solidarity messages from the President of the Ghana Association of Writers (GAW),Mr. Kwasi Gyan Apenteng and the Head of the Department of English, Prof. Helen Yitah. Ms. Sika Awoonor, daughter of the late Prof. Kofi Awoonor also delivered remarks on behalf of the family.
As part of the ceremony, the Kofi Awoonor literary prize competition was launched by a representative of Bashorun Chief Dele Momodu of Ovation International.
The ceremony was spiced with drumming and dancing by the Ghana Dance Ensemble, literary presentations as well as a song of invocation in the ewe language by Prof. Kofi Anyidoho. Earlier in the programme there was a three minute roll of pictures and a short video of Prof. Kofi Awoonor reading one of his poems.
Above: Some family members of the late Prof. Kofi Awoonor
Below: A section of the audience at the ceremony
