Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has eulogised renowned Ghanaian writer Professor Ama Ata Aidoo.
In a post on Facebook, Mr. Alban Bagbin said Prof. Ama Ata Aidoo was not only a globally accomplished author, playwright, poet, academician, pan-Africanist and advocate but also an icon.
”I received news of the passing of Prof. Ama Ata Aidoo last month with shock and disbelief. Over the years, I had come to perceive Prof Ama not only as the globally accomplished author, playwright, poet, academician, pan-Africanist and advocate of the empowerment and education of African women and girls, but as an icon, an institution. Institutions are meant to grow and grow and grow”.
According to Mr Bagbin, Professor Ama Ata Aidoo would remain in history as a mentor for a generation of writers and readers.
”Prof. Ama was indeed a trailblazer, a visionary and a mentor for generations of African writers and readers.
As one of the most powerful literary voices of Africa in our generation, her works often explored themes that were traditionally regarded as controversial or as cultural taboos, such as gender roles, feminism, cultural identity and other sensitive social issues.”
”Her principled stance, originality of thought, fearlessness of expression and dedication to addressing societal issues ranked second to none,” he wrote.
Professor Ama Ata Aidoo continuously highlighted the impact of colonialism on the African psyche and for Mr Babgin, he is amazed by her ”undiluted commitment to African Identity”.
”Through championing the aspirations of the African Continent and its people, she continuously highlighted the impact of colonialism on the African psyche, reminding us of the essence of our cultural roots.
Her deep and principled Pan-Africanism, and her perspective of the historical context of racial inequality and exploitation, found expression in the themes explored in all her works.”
”However, for me, what marks the greatness of Prof Ama above everything else was her undiluted commitment to her African cultural identity, an identity that projected into all her literary works, reflected in her personal life and remained a central theme of her personality.”
Mr. Bagbin noted, ”through her works, her life and what she represented, she will continue to remain an inspiration to generations of Africans who seek to rediscover and preserve the identity that was impacted by our colonial legacy.”
”Prof, as we mourn your transition, we are consoled by the fact that you have left an indelible mark on Ghanaian society, on the African Continent and at large. You have fought a good and worthy fight,” he wrote.
”Your legacy will survive the test of time. The people of Ghana and Africa thank you. Travel well to the land of the ancestors.
Rest in peace,” the Speaker concluded.
