Akufo-Addo eulogies J.H. Nketia

Professor Emeritus Joseph Hansen Kwabena Nketia, a renowned Ethnomusicology and Writer, has left Ghana a legacy of formidable cultural capital to fortify her unique African identify, President Akufo-Addo has said.

During the final funeral rites for the late Prof. J.H. Nketia at the forecourt of the State House Saturday, May 4, President Akufo-Addo said: “His life’s achievement is a salutary message for the youth.

The sky is the limit for anyone who wants to work hard. Indeed his life experiences point to the crucial significance of education.

He advocated a Ghana where holistic cultures and identities played key roles in how to navigate the challenges posed by globalisation.

“For me, I am confident that if we apply the works of Professor Nketia …We shall be further emboldened to construct a modern democratic nation based on equity, respect, self-worth and inclusion.

“We will then build a new Ghanaian civilization, a Ghana Beyond Aid, which will witness a new flowering of Ghanaian Art and Culture”.

The pre-burial service for Prof. Kwabena Nketiah, born on 22nd June, 1921, was characterized by rich cultural displays amidst the performance of some of his works, which included music and recitals.

The well attended funeral had high profile persons such as the former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings, Ministers of state, members of Parliament, members of the academia, and prominent people in society.

Reverend Dr. Priscilla Naana Nketia, Daughter of the late Prof. Nketia, in a tribute to her father, said: “Our father was a statesman, a renowned scholar and ethnomusicologist, but to us, he was just a daddy, a father who cared for us and did everything in his power to see our education to the highest levels.

“Daddy was a good listener and very supportive of our respective career paths. The name Nketia evoked some instructions from our seniors and our respective teachers. Akosua was forced by her music teacher, Mr. Essah, to do O’Level Music instead of History, which she preferred.

“Naana almost lost her self-confidence because she could not play any musical instrument like her siblings. How could the daughter of Prof. Nketia not play the piano? Naana’s music teacher, Mr Adjah, asked.”

Rev. Nketia said in his later years he had an aversion to barbers, what was left on his scalp would grow, fall of and grow again. God was his barber.

“Daddy lived a full and satisfying life. He lived to see his grandchildren and great grandchildren, he was our hero,” she added.

A tribute by the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG), read by Dr. Vladimir Antwi Danso, an International Relations Expert, said two years ago the congregation celebrated the life of the professor for his immense contribution to humanity and the Presbyterian church.

Rev Dr. Samuel Ayete-Nyampong, the Clerk of the General Assembly of the PCG, in a sermon titled: “Finishing Well and Finishing Empty,” admonished the public to ensure they poured out their ideas to better the lot of society before leaving the world.

Prof. Nketia’s mortal remains were interred at the Military Cemetery. He was survived by three daughters, seven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. He has over 200 publications and more than 80 musical compositions to his credit.