Prof Kofi Awoonor remembered

Prof. Awoonor Mausoleum

Prof Kofi Awoonor remembered

A mausoleum to preserve the works of the late former Chairman of Council of State, Professor Kofi Nyidevu Awoonor has been commissioned at his home town of Wheta in the Ketu North district by the Speaker of Parliament, Edward Doe Adjaho on Sunday.

The mausoleum was part of activities to mark the first anniversary of renowned poet, who died on the 21st of September last year in Kenya during an attack by the Alshabab militant group on the Westgate Shopping Mall in Nairobi.

Prof. Awoonor was among eminent African authors invited to participate in the Storymoja Hey festival, a celebration of writing and storytelling.

Hon. Doe Adjaho who recounted his experience with the late Professor, said the mausoleum was part of initiatives being taken by the Awoonor Family to keep the beliefs and ideologies of their father alive in order to inspire the current and future generations and urged all persons to emulate his thoughts and strive for excellence.

In accordance with the will of the late scholar, his children presented 54 sets of ‘Encyclopaedia Britannica’ to the E.P university college in Ho, as they also announced the establishment of an educational endowment fund to support the education of needy children in area as well as a literary awards for students of the language department of the university of Ghana.

L-R, Madam Cecila Johnson, Amb. Victor Gbeho & Hon. Doe Adjaho

One of his children, Sika Awoonor said as part of plans to perpetuate the legacies of their father, his entire residence in Weta will be converted into a ‘writers sanctuary’ where writers across the world could visit and have retreats.

In a speech read on his behalf, the Paramount Chief of the area, Togbiga Ashiakpor described the late Prof. Awoonor as an astute intellectual who combined the traditions of his people, contemporary and religious symbolism to depict Africa during the decolonization.

He however appealed to government to tar the road linking Weta junction to Metrikasa which has been the promise of the late Proffesor.

The remembrance ceremony which was attended by top government officials led by the Chief of Staff, Prosper Douglas Kweku Bani, saw the display of unadulterated traditional cultural performances.

Also present were Chairperson of the Council of State, Mrs. Cecilia Johnson and leading members of the NDC both at the regional and national levels as well as relatives and friends including, Professor Kofi Anyidoho and Victor Gbeho who all took turns to eulogize the late diplomat and statesman.