President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has announced that legendary Ghanaian author Prof. Ama Ata Aidoo, who passed away on May 31, 2023, will receive a state-assisted funeral.
Speaking to the family of the decorated writer when they paid a courtesy call on him to officially inform him about her death and plans for the funeral, President Akufo-Addo disclosed that the country recognizes the key role Prof Ama Ata Aidoo played in the development of Ghana’s literature and will honor her memory with a funeral befitting of her status
He stated that the state will collaborate with the family and make resources available to ensure that one of the country’s literature luminaries is well celebrated.
, “I’m happy that the arrangements you’ve made for her funeral will allow me to attend the laying in state… Even before you arrived here, I made the decision that she should be given a state-assisted burial. She deserves it, and it will give myself and the people of Ghana the opportunity to pay our last respects.”
After a brief illness, Professor Ama Ata Aidoo, who made significant contributions to African literature, passed away. Her writing talents went beyond the realm of fiction and into the realms of poetry, theatre, and essays. Prof. Ata Aidoo impacted generations of African women authors with her award-winning novels, plays, short tales, children’s literature, and poetry.
In a tweet on Friday, June 2, President Nana Akufo-Addo paid respect to Aidoo and offered his sympathies to his children and family.
“I heard of the news of the death of Ama Ata Aidoo with sadness and sorrow,” he said.
“Through her work, she made a tremendous contribution to the development of our country and continent, and expressed so many of our feelings about our fate as Ghanaians and, indeed, as Africans.”
“We will miss her; the continent and the world will miss her. She had a reach that went beyond Ghana. May her soul rest in perfect peace until the Last Day of the Resurrection, when we shall all meet again. Amen,” he added.
