Ghanaians Bid Prof. Atukwei Farewell

The state burial service for the renowned Ghanaian poet, scholar, cultural activist and author, Prof. Atukwei Okai has been held at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) on Friday, 14 September 2018.

The funeral was attended by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and his wife, the wife of the vice-president Samira Bawumia, former president Jerry John Rawlings and his wife, former president John Mahama and other state dignitaries.

His four daughters described him in a sorrowful tribute as a “true African” amidst a poetry recital to honour his memory.

According to the wife, while reading her tribute at the funeral service, she extolled her husband for supporting her throughout their marriage especially through the hard times. She hinted that her consolation is that he died peacefully.

“You faithfully stood by me during my major surgery, never missing any of my physiotherapy appointments after my surgery. You were visibly happy for me when you realized I could walk again without difficulty. My one consolidation is that you went peacefully. You sang praises and worshipped with us in the eve of your departure.”

Former MP for Ningo-Prampram, E.T. Mensah shared some of fondest memories of Professor Atukwei Okai with the media. He hinted that the late Prof was one who helped in structuring Accra to what it is now.

“He has played his role, the Accra that you see today, you people do not know he was one of those in the difficult years who came on board… so pushing Accra to where it is he was one of the building blocks and we wish him safe journey home.”

Prof. Atukwei Okai died at the Korle-Bu Teaching hospital on Friday, 13 July 2018 following a short illness. He was 77.

Until his death, he was the Secretary-General of the Pan African Writers Association of Ghana.

He won a great number of honours, both locally and internationally, during his illustrious career, and was in June 2007, awarded the national award of Member of the Order of the Volta.

He was buried at the new military cemetery at Burma Camp