Ama Ata Aidoo: Farewell to a Literary Luminary (23 March 1942 - 31 May 2023)

By Michelle Mojisola Savage

“Time by itself means nothing, no matter how fast it moves unless we give it something to carry for us: something we value.” 

- Ama Ata Aidoo

In the realm of Ghanaian and African literature, we bid farewell to Ama Ata Aidoo, a brilliant luminary whose departure leaves an indelible mark on readers and writers worldwide. Born as Christina Ama Ata Aidoo on 23 March 1942 in Abeadzi Kyiakor, Ghana, she fearlessly shattered barriers and paved the way for future African writers. With heavy hearts, we remember her passing on the 31st of May, 2023, at the age of 81, marking the end of an era—one she beautifully shaped with her words and wisdom.
From an early age, Aidoo showcased an unwavering passion for storytelling. She attended Wesley Girls' Senior High School in Cape Coast from 1961 to 1964. From there, she proceeded to the University of Ghana, Legon where her creative spirit blossomed. There, she not only honed her academic skills but also unleashed her boundless creativity. In 1964, Aidoo wrote her first play, "The Dilemma of a Ghost." 

Recognizing its significance, Longman publishers released it the following year, etching her name into literary history as the first published African woman dramatist—a milestone that will never be forgotten. This groundbreaking achievement set the stage for her illustrious career and inspired countless aspiring African female writers. Aidoo's brilliance as a novelist continued to shine through her captivating stories, with her novel "Changes: A Love Story" receiving the prestigious Commonwealth Writers' Prize for Best Book (Africa) in 1992.

Recognizing the need to uplift and support African female writers, Aidoo founded the Mbaasem Foundation.in Accra in 2000. This visionary organization became a vital platform for promoting and nurturing the talents of African female writers, ensuring their voices would be heard and celebrated. Aidoo's dedication to fostering literary excellence and amplifying marginalized voices has left an indelible mark on the African literary landscape.

Her contributions extended beyond literature into education and advocacy. From 1982 to 1983, she served as Secretary for Education under the administration of Jerry Rawlings in Ghana. Throughout her tenure, she tirelessly worked to make education accessible to all, embodying her firm belief in the transformative power of knowledge. Her  impact as a lecturer and professor at esteemed institutions like the University of Ghana and Brown University cannot be overstated. Her wisdom, passion, and unwavering commitment to excellence inspired countless students.

Throughout her life, Aidoo fearlessly challenged norms, shedding light on the struggles faced by African women, the significance of preserving African identity, and the impact of neocolonialism. In her own words, "For us Africans, literature must serve a purpose: to expose, embarrass, and fight corruption and authoritarianism."

As we say goodbye to Ama Ata Aidoo, let us celebrate her remarkable life and take solace in the knowledge that her legacy will endure, inspiring generations of readers, writers, activists, and change-makers.

References: 
1. Wikipedia
2. BBC
3. Britannica
4. GhanaWeb