We still have a lot to learn from Efua Sutherland — Prof. Anyidoho

Ghanaian poet and academic, Professor Kofi Anyidoho, has urged creative arts to delve deeper into the works of cultural activist Efua Sutherland to expand their knowledge and translate it into meaningful social action.

He emphasised that the late Efua Sutherland was a repository of artistic wisdom, and there remains much to be learned from her legacy to preserve Ghana’s culture and traditions.

He made the remarks during a two-day conference celebrating Efua Sutherland’s intellectual and humanistic contributions at the Institute of African Studies (IAS), University of Ghana, Legon, last Thursday.

In his keynote address titled "The Ancestors' Path Must Never Be Lost", Prof. Anyidoho offered a thought-provoking reflection on Sutherland’s lasting influence, weaving in poetry and songs throughout his speech.

"With the kind of work to which she dedicated her life, there's still a lot that we have to learn from her.

Given where we are now, in some ways, it's like we are going backwards.

Today, I describe myself as a bilingual poet, writing in both my own language (Ewe) and in English.

Some people think that this is a new thing and I say oh, how could it be new? That was what defined Auntie Efuah's work.

"She will write first in Akan (Fante) and she will take the trouble to write the same thing in English.

When I took the first play I wrote in English to her, in her editorial notes and comments, she said, "Go and write it in Ewe".

That is why my play "Akporkplor or Aportro” is in English and Ewe.

We must have the courage to thrive. The beginning may be difficult, but the end is something that all of us will be happy about,"  Prof. Anyidoho said.

Event

The event, dubbed "International Conference Celebrating The Centenary of Efua Sutherland", was organised by the Institute of African Studies, in collaboration with the Centre for African Studies, Mason Gross Theatre at Rutgers University, the School of Performing Arts-Legon, the Estate of Efua Sutherland and the Busia Foundation.

It was on the theme: "Efua Sutherland and The Creation of African Scholarly Paradigms Since 1960: Continuity or Rupture?" An exhibition and creative workshops were held, showcasing the works and practices of Efua Sutherland.

In attendance were former Ghana Ambassador to Brazil, Prof. Abena Busia; Associate Dean for Equity, Mason Gross School of Theatre Arts, Prof. Marshal Jones III; Prof. Ouseina Alidu from Rutgers University, Deputy Ambassador of Algeria to Ghana, Atmane Boudjemia, and former Director of IAS, Prof. Akosua Adomako Ampofo.

Significance

The Provost of the College of Education, Prof. Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe, who represented Vice- Chancellor Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, emphasised the importance of the conference in recognising the intellectual contributions of an African woman scholar, activist and artist.

"I must reiterate that the centenary of Efua Sutherland provides an opportunity to project African excellence and innovation and to reassure ourselves of the relevance of making ideas work for the betterment of humanities," he said.

"The University of Ghana recognised Efua Sutherland for her outstanding contributions to the university, Ghana, Africa and the world in the areas of innovative teaching, research and knowledge tracing, and conferred on her the award of an honorary doctorate in 1991."

"We have come a long way.

But surely, we will all be stronger if the creative, intellectual and strategic acumen of the pioneers are kept in constant view," he stressed.

He also mentioned that the conference's objective aligns with the University of Ghana's plan to promote international partnerships among institutions and scholars.

Memorable experience

Associate Professor of Linguistics at the IAS Prof. Mercy Akrofi Ansah, who chaired the event, expressed her excitement about the memorable experiences the conference will create.

She stated that Efua Sutherland deserved to be celebrated as the pioneer of African arts in Ghana and globally.

"I'm glad to be part of this programme which seeks to celebrate Dr Efua Wildora Sutherland. Undoubtedly, Efua Sutherland deserves to be celebrated, being the pioneer of African arts in Ghana and beyond,” Prof. Ansah stated.