ACCRA, Sept 14 (The African Portal) – The Osu Eben-Ezer Presbyterian Church hall came alive with rich Ghanaian music and cultural pride as the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts partnered with the Ephraim Amu Foundation to mark the 126th birthday of Ghanaian music legend, theologian, and cultural icon, Dr. Ephraim Amu.
In her address, the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, described Dr. Amu as a true patriot and pan-Africanist who contributed immensely to Ghana’s national identity through his music, philosophy, and teachings.
She quoted a tribute by former President Jerry John Rawlings, calling Dr. Amu “the true African,” and praised his early advocacy for national unity and holistic education.
The tourism minister highlighted the enduring relevance of Dr. Amu’s compositions, particularly the iconic patriotic song “Yen Ara Asaase Ni”, which she described as a moral compass for national development.
Dzifa Gomashie called on Ghanaians to embrace Amu’s values of self-sacrifice, honesty, integrity, and unity.
In a touching gesture of personal commitment to preserving Amu’s legacy, the Ghanaian tourism minister donated GHS 10,000 from her personal salary to the Ephraim Amu Foundation.
She further announced an additional GHS 10,000 support from the Ministry to aid the Foundation’s ongoing projects.
Chairman of the Ephraim Amu Foundation, N. Kwasi Amu, welcomed guests to the celebration and emphasized the power of music in uplifting the human spirit and preserving cultural heritage.
He announced the Foundation’s ongoing efforts to preserve and promote the legacy of Dr. Amu through the AmuScope Legacy Project.
Rev. Prof. T. Laryea, representing the Foundation’s research and development initiatives, outlined several legacy projects including the establishment of a memorial concert hall in Peki, Amu’s hometown, and the AmuScope Core Project, which involves the digitization, translation, and publication of Amu’s works—songs, diaries, sermons, and letters—spanning over 80 years.
He also mentioned the restoration of Dr. Amu’s historic 1948 Chevrolet truck (AR 3689), famously used in his community service activities, and a collaborative initiative with educational institutions to support music education, national concerts, and youth mentorship programs in the arts.
Two major publications on Dr. Amu’s life were also announced as available for purchase at the event: “The Internationalist Poet” and “Witness-Building Perspectives on Ephraim Amu.”
The evening featured stirring musical performances of Amu’s compositions, including pieces in Ewe and Twi, showcasing his devotion to cultural unity through language and music.
The event not only paid tribute to one of Ghana’s greatest cultural pioneers but also served as a clarion call for a new generation to embrace their roots and carry forward the enduring legacy of Tata Amu.
The writer, Delassie Mabel Awuku, is with the Public Relations Unit of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts (MoTCCA)
