Prof. Obi Oguejiofor, Director of the School of General Studies, Nnamdi Azikiwe University
Prof. Obi Oguejiofor, Director of the School of General Studies, Nnamdi Azikiwe University has delivered a lecture on the theme “Anton Wilhelm Amo: Reflections on his life and intellectual legacy for contemporary discourses”. This was delivered on the first Anton Wilhelm Amo lecture and symposium organized by the Merian Institute for African Studies in Africa (MIASA) in collaboration with the Department of Philosophy and Classics and the Institute of African Studies.
Prof. Obi Oguejiofor noted that “there is little space in African Intellectual World regarding the life of Anton Wilhelm Amo,” as such, there is the need for affirming hybridity in Amo’s life and work as an Afro-European and Ghanaian-German.
Prof. Oguejiofor said that “Amo was soaked and tanned in various aspects of European Philosophy and the central axe of his thought is philosophy of mind”. The lecturer explained that from the point of view of hermeneutics, Amo was an African philosopher. He highlighted several circumstances surrounding the emergence of contemporary African Philosophy such as slavery, colonialism and imperialism. Prof. Oguejiofor also argued that in spite of Amo’s exploits, he had been met with almost absolute neglect. The lecturer concluded by stating that “Fifty years after Amo was brought to the limelight of African philosophic terrain, he is yet to be widely received in most Departments of Philosophy in Africa.”
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, in her address, stated that “The theme for the lecture and symposium is timely and relevant as it is in line with the University of Ghana’s mission to contribute to intellectual discourse as well as national and international discourses on fundamental research.” She added that MIASA has been collaborating with the University since its foundation in 2018 and commended the Institute for the good work done. Prof. Amfo expressed her expectations that the intellectual discourse will attract younger philosophers and academics interested in the works of Amo.
The Acting Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Academic and Student Affairs and Provost of the College of Humanities, Prof. Daniel Frimpong Ofori
The Acting Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Academic and Student Affairs and Provost of the College of Humanities, Prof. Daniel Frimpong Ofori, stated that the lecture will contribute significantly to achieving key objectives of the College of Humanities, the hub of MIASA, in the area of multidisciplinary research and publications. He indicated that this programme will create opportunities to establish valuable networks for future collaboration.
Prof. Dzodzi Tsikata
The Chairperson for the lecture, Prof. Dzodzi Tsikata, President of MIASA Executive Council, and Director, Institute of African Studies, stated: “Naming the lecture series after Amo was to honor the Ghanaian-German partnership at the heart of MIASA” and that the lecture series will promote the dissemination of his ideas and inquiry into what it meant to be an African in European society; address questions of how the humanities can contribute to the decolonization of knowledge production, epistemic justice and the promotion of inter-racial history and understanding.
His Excellency, Daniel Krull, German Ambassador
Earlier, the Special Guest of Honor, His Excellency, Daniel Krull, German Ambassador to Ghana, in his address stated how important it was to increase the knowledge collection in Africa and Ghana. He pledged the continuous support of the Government of Germany towards MIASA.
There was an interactive question and answer session and the Ghana Dance Ensemble graced the occasion with cultural drumming and dancing. Before the commencement of the lecture, a plaque of Anton Wilhelm Amo was unveiled at the Department of Philosophy and Classics.
Prof. Charlotte Wrigley-Asante, MIASA Director
Present at the lecture were Prof. Charlotte Wrigley-Asante, MIASA Director, Ghana; Prof. Abena Oduro, Member, MIASA Executive Council; Dr. Susann Baller, MIASA Director, Germany; staff and students of Department of Philosophy and Classics and members of the University community.
