Vice president Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang is strongly advocating revisiting the legacy of the country’s historical figures, with the aim of shaping the values of the country as it moves forward.
In honour of Ephraim Amu, one of Ghana’s renowned historical figures, a book titled “Ephraim Amu Nationalist, Poet and Theologian (1899 – 1995)” authored by Rev. Prof. Philip T. Laryea, has been launched to shed light on the life and profound contributions of the Composer of the “Yen Ara Yen Asaase Ni” anthem.
As the keynote speaker at the event, Vice president Prof Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang highlighted how the philosophies of such notable personalities are capable of addressing current challenges the country is faced with and serve as a guide to the youth.
“Today, as we launch this book, we are not just recounting history. We are reclaiming a vision. This book serves as a reminder and a guide to present and future generations; it urges us to honour the freedom, sacrifices and resilience of those who paved the way for our national development.
“We know the local languages he composed in, the music and so on. And this all births the question, what have we done with these examples? We’ve heard them many times. So, a charge we have to keep. And it reminds us all, that even one single voice, when it is committed to truth and service can shape the destiny of a country in a very positive and lasting way.”
Prof. Opoku Agyemang courted the support of priests and chiefs present to prioritize the use of local dialects.
She emphasized the importance of socializing children in the local languages in their fields of study.
“He (Ephraim Amu) spoke to all of us in languages we understand. Everybody knows I’ve been very passionate about the use of our languages in teaching our children. They don’t have to spend so many years trying to understand English before they begin to learn. We have already set them back.
“I know it’s a dialogue that needs to continue, and I urge all of you, our revered priest and our traditional leaders, to support that.”
The author of the book, Rev. Professor Philip T. Laryea, urged the families of folk heroes to allow access to documents and records of such legends for academic work.
“I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Amu family for granting me access to invaluable documents, which truly feels like a treasure. I hope other families will follow the example and allow access to rare archival materials that may be wasting away in their homes.
“This will enable scholars to work with these documents and help celebrate many more of our heroes,” he stated.
