Playwright’s Father Still Cherished Despite Battles With ‘Alcoholism’

Uncle Ebo Whyte is known for many things: his impact on the world of theatre, his inspirational books, and his generosity. 

Ebo Whyte shared insights into his upbringing and his parents’ impact on his life. 

Despite his father’s battles with alcoholism, he still cherishes many fond memories of both his father and mother. 

Despite his father’s struggle with alcohol, the community held him in high regard due to the dignity with which he carried himself. 

“I was his (my father’s) favorite child. I remember him as a ‘booze man’ who still had the respect of the community. When he was under the influence of alcohol, the community never mocked him, and we, his children, were never mocked because of the dignity with which he carried himself.”

Uncle Ebo Whyte

He noted that his father, who was working never missed a day’s work and always presented himself flawlessly, regardless of his struggles.

“No matter how much he drank at night, the next morning he would go to work dressed impeccably. He was with the judicial service, and he never missed a day’s work. I don’t know how he did that,” he said.

Whyte also spoke warmly of his mother, noting her resourcefulness and entrepreneurial spirit. 

After his father’s death when Ebo Whyte was just 14, his mother single-handedly raised five boys. 

“My mother raised us all herself, through her hard work, her resourcefulness, and her firmness,” he recalled.

These attributes he learned have influenced him to become what he is today. 

With more than 50 plays to his name, covering various topics such as family, relationships, faith, and addictions, Ebo Whyte’s journey is a testament to the family dynamics that shaped his life.

Playwright’s Acts of Benevolence

If anyone is asked about their experience with Uncle Ebo Whyte, they would be quick to speak about the renowned playwright and author’s acts of benevolence. 

Stories of how he has helped various individuals in various ways are rampant from friends, family, and even strangers, but Uncle Ebo Whyte attributes his kindness to the generosity he received from others during his times of trouble. 

According to him, many people came to his aid with generous gestures when he needed help the most.

One notable instance was during his secondary school education in Accra. He survived using the ‘Accra stay-by-plan,’ selling various commodities like bread, chewing gum, etc to fund his schooling. 

Financial difficulties caused him to miss writing his Common Entrance Exams multiple times. 

However, the benevolence of Miss Comey, one of his teachers who noticed his potential, turned things around. 

“I am the product of the goodness and generosity of many people. I’m just paying it forward. People who had no business being good to me have been good to me. People who had no business opening doors for me have opened doors for me. Some of them didn’t even know me. 

“And so, having been a beneficiary of the goodness of so many people, it comes naturally to me to give. I give because I know how much I have received.”

Uncle Ebo Whyte

Uncle Ebo Whyte remains a giver to this day, and various testimonies of his acts of generosity have been captured in the documentary “The Uncle Ebo Whyte Story: A Legacy of Inspiration & Creativity.”

Featuring insights from various personalities who have been impacted by Ebo Whyte, the documentary uncovers intriguing details about the playwright. 

It delves into his journey from early failures and financial struggles, losing his car, and job, and even burning his certificates to his unbowed faith and eventual success.

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