Presiding Bishop Boafo bids Ama Ata Aidoo farewell

In my undergraduate years, I was particularly struck by a comment from a professor in an English Literature class.

After going through my feedback on the writers we were studying in that course, he said, “You’re beginning to sound like them.”

Indeed, just like the friends we keep, it dawned on me that we are truly influenced by writers we admire.

We begin to be quite empathetic: think like them; sound like them; and effectively be like them.

They become our mentors of sorts, subliminally, through the adoption of their persona.

Lately, I realised that there are particular people I never get tired of writing about.

For one thing, they themselves never got tired of experiencing the life they were living.

By life I mean true living in the present, soaking in — in equal poise - both its magnificent and malignant contours.

In my view, what makes icons such as Kwame Nkrumah, Professor Kwabena Nketia, Ephraim Amu, Francis Bartels, Afua Sutherland, Ama Ata Aidoo — and the like — great was their selflessness in sharing the best of themselves and bequeathing the bulk of their work for posterity.

Not only did they mean well and did well, but — most importantly — they were not greedy.

They understood — in their gut —  that there was enough for everyone’s needs.

For instance, I recall the adulations Kwame Nkrumah received in the various countries he visited: be it in the United States, the Soviet Union or China.

I remember students sitting on the floor to listen to Prof.

Nketia in some of the many universities he was invited to teach in parts of the world.

I recall the love and affection received by Ama Ata Aidoo with the people that she encountered daily.

That was her life!

During the funeral of Auntie Ama (Accra, July 13, 2023), the tribute by the Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church, Ghana, Most Rev. Dr Paul Kwabena Boafo, was so elevating that I went up the dais to hug him afterwards.

He agreed to share his tribute (edited for space) as follows: 

Methodist Bishop Boafo

In the presence of sorrow, we find solace in coming together to pay our respects to this distinguished soul who has touched our lives in countless ways.

As we reflect on the life of our departed loved one, let us remember the beauty of her spirit, the grace with which she lived, and the profound impact she made on society.

She was a beacon of light, radiating kindness, compassion, and strength throughout her journey.

Her legacy will forever shine brightly in our hearts and minds.

That is the purpose of living, living for society and not self.

In a world often defined by chaos and uncertainty, this remarkable woman stood tall, serving as an unwavering pillar of strength and inspiration for the vulnerable.

She stood for the rights and dignity of the African woman.

She faced life's challenges head-on, demonstrating resilience and perseverance that was truly awe-inspiring.

Through her unwavering determination, she overcame obstacles and triumphed against all odds, showing us what it means to never give up.

 Ama Ata Aidoo has portrayed the significant role of African women in contemporary society.

She has opined that the idea of nationalism has been deployed by recent leaders as a means of keeping people oppressed. 

She criticised those literate Africans who profess to love their country but are seduced by the benefits of the developed world. 

She believed in a distinct African identity, which she viewed from a female perspective. 

She held strong Pan-Africanist views on the necessity of unity among African countries and was outspoken about the centuries of exploitation of Africa's resources and people.

The exploitation continues, and we must stand and speak against any form of it.

As she goes home today, who is ready and prepared to continue with her legacy and advocacy for the poor and marginalised in society?

Let us stand up against any form of impositions from the Western world that seek to attack our dignity and culture.

We live in a global village, yet we must not take any foreign system hook, line and sinker.

Ama Ata Aidoo never stood for that mindset. 

Let us all remember that it was not just her tenacity that set her apart as a remarkable and unique African woman.

Our beloved departed possessed an unparalleled kindness and generosity of spirit.

She had a genuine interest in others, always taking the time to listen and provide comfort or guidance when needed.

Her selflessness was remarkable, as she consistently put the needs of others before her own, seeking to make a positive difference in their lives. 

As a scholar, she possessed a sharp intellect, an insatiable thirst for knowledge, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Her accomplishments were many, and her contributions to her field were significant.

Ama’s works are now known throughout the world.

Yet, despite her numerous accolades and achievements, she remained humble, never seeking recognition or praise.

Her success was measured not by personal gain but by the positive impact she had on those she encountered.

As we gather here today, let us celebrate the life she lived rather than mourn her passing.

Let us remember the joy she brought into our lives, the laughter she shared, and the love she bestowed upon us.

Though we may feel a profound sense of loss, let us also find solace in the knowledge that her spirit lives on within each and every one of us.

Ama Ata Aidoo’s works and words will continue to live on to inspire generations to come and above all her soul lives on. 

The writer is a trainer of teachers, leadership coach, motivational speaker and quality education advocate.

E-mail: anishaffar@gmail.com