The literary world mourns the loss of Prof. Ama Ata Aidoo, a distinguished Ghanaian author, who has passed away at the age of 81.
The news of her demise was announced by her family in an official statement released on Wednesday. Aidoo had been battling an illness before her untimely passing.
In the heartfelt statement, the family expressed their deep sorrow but also held onto the hope of resurrection.
“The family of Prof. Ama Ata Aidoo with deep sorrow but in the hope of the resurrection, informs the general public that our beloved relative and writer passed away in the early hours of 31st May 2023, after a short illness,” the statement reads.
Born in March 1942, Ama Ata Aidoo discovered her passion for writing during her time at Wesley Girls’ high school, where she honed her literary skills. Fueled by this passion, she made the decision to pursue a career as a writer.
In 1964, Aidoo obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Ghana, a milestone that marked the beginning of her journey as a prominent literary figure.
The following year, she achieved yet another significant feat by releasing her debut play, ‘The Dilemma of A Ghost,’ becoming the first African woman dramatist to have her work published.
Aidoo’s literary contributions were marked by her extensive knowledge and writings on topics such as feminism, imperialism, slavery, colonial violence, and patriarchy.
Throughout her career, she published a total of 11 books, including notable works like ‘Changes,’ ‘Our Sister Killjoy,’ ‘Anowa,’ and an edited volume on African love stories.
In addition to her remarkable literary achievements, Aidoo ventured into the political realm.
In 1982, she assumed the position of Ghana’s Minister for Education, where she made significant contributions to the country’s educational system. The following year, she developed a curriculum for the Zimbabwe Ministry of Education, showcasing her commitment to fostering education in Africa.
Aidoo’s remarkable talent and dedication to her craft were acknowledged through numerous accolades and literary awards bestowed upon her.
In 1992, she was honored with the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize for Best Book in Africa for her novel titled ‘Changes.’
Moreover, in 2000, Aidoo established the Mbaasem Foundation in Accra, a laudable initiative aimed at promoting and supporting the work of African women writers.
As the news of her passing spreads, tributes pour in from admirers, colleagues, and literary enthusiasts worldwide, commemorating the life and accomplishments of this extraordinary Ghanaian author.
The world will forever remember Ama Ata Aidoo as an icon of literature and a pioneer for African women writers.
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