National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer and former President, John Dramani Mahama, has paid tribute to the late Professor Ama Ata Aidoo and praised her for her contributions to the country, Africa, and the world.
There are two ways to disseminate light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it, as noted by renowned American author, Edith Wharton in a homage by John Dramani Mahama.
The late Ama Ata Aidoo was compared to a candle by the former President, and he claimed to have had the honor of being one of the many millions of mirrors that reflected the light that she, as the primary source, freely gave to the world.
The writings of Prof. Ama Ata Aidoo, according to Mr. Mahama, “were on the lips and ingrained in the minds of every school going boy or girl in secondary school,” and read like a primer. The Dilemma of a Ghost and Changes were noted to be two of his favorites among her classic works.
Anyone who had the privilege of reading them, he observed, was instantly fascinated and involved in the emotional roller coaster that only the best writing can provide.
He claimed that he first interacted intimately with the late Prof, while serving as vice President and promoting his own book, “My First Coup D’état.” “I had always appreciated her literary prowess, but my own book project made me appreciate Aunt Ama even more.” Mr Mahama said.
“Writing my book was an extremely tasking endeavour given that I had to combine with my office duties with this project. But Aunt Ama is not one to be easily satisfied.”
John Dramani Mahama
Prof Aidoo Was Passionate
The former President claimed that when he welcomed Ghanaian writers at his home, Prof. Ama Ata Aidoo not only accepted his invitation but also indicated that she hoped he was working on his second book. He replied that he was too busy to do so, but she nonetheless expressed her optimism. In answer, she remarked, “You are never too busy to write a book.”
Moreover, John Dramani Mahama remarked that the fact that she had held the position of Education Minister under the late former President Jerry John Rawlings’ leadership, always made him feel extremely proud.
Being the passionate, compassionate person she was, he claimed, she was unable to accept that the government could not provide free education for everybody, even in those trying times of economic recovery, leading her to leave from her job.
The NDC Flagbearer claimed that looking back, it was perhaps not surprising that President Rawlings oversaw a new Constitution when Ghana entered the 4th Republican Democracy, making provisions for free education starting at the primary level and continuing through secondary and tertiary levels, once the necessary resources and structures had been put in place.
“The words of Irving Berlin echoes even strongly: “the song is ended, but the melody lingers on.” Aunt Ama, your voice lingers on. I can still hear your call for me to do my second book. You will be happy to learn that I have started. “You are gone today, but I will complete the second book as you requested. Thank you for your service to our nation, to your continent and to the world.”
John Dramani Mahama
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