The late Professor Ama Ata Aidoo, née Christina Ama Aidoo was born on 23 March 1940 at Saltpond.
The Ghanaian author, poet, playwright and academic, was also a former Minister of Education in the Ghana government.
Ama Ata Aidoo who received international recognition as one of the most prominent African writers of the 20th and 21st centuries wrote her first play, The Dilemma of a Ghost, in 1964.
For more than fifty years she has produced top-notch plays including Anowa, Pittsburgh, Our Sister KillJoy, her first novel published in 1977.
In 2000, Aidoo founded the Mbaasem Foundation, a non-governmental organization based in Ghana with a mission “to support the development and sustainability of African women writers and their artistic output”.
The academician who studied at the University of Ghana, Legon and held a fellowship in creative writing at Stanford University in California, was appointed Minister of Education under the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) in 1982.
She resigned after 18 months, realising that she would be unable to achieve her aim of making education in Ghana freely accessible to all.
Below are some of the interesting books by the late author:
Dilemma of a Ghost (1965): The story revolves around Ato Yawson, a Ghanaian who completes his studies in the United States and returns to Ghana with his American wife, Eulalie.
It becomes evident from the start that Eulalie is different from the local girls, creating a potential for conflict.
Changes: A Love Story (1991) : The story chronicles a phase in the life of a career-focused Ghanaian woman, as she goes through a divorce from her first husband and enters into a polygamist marriage.
Our Sister Killjoy (1977): Presented in a prose-verse form, the narrative delves into the thoughts and experiences of Sissie, whose perspective is influenced by her encounters with the Western world and its contrast to her homeland. Along the way, she confronts the hypocrisy and corruption of the African elite. The story not only explores the dynamics of modern African society but also sheds light on the challenges faced by women worldwide.
No sweetness here and other stories (1970): This is another collection of short stories that depict the lives of ordinary people in post-independence Ghana, especially women and children. The stories deal with themes such as poverty, oppression, violence, love and survival. The book was first published by Longman in 1970 and has been reprinted several times by different publishers, including The Feminist Press at CUNY in 1969.
Anowa (1970): Anowa, characterized by her independent spirit, possesses her own unique perspectives. While she eventually finds a partner in Kofi Ako whom she decides to marry, her parents, particularly her mother, express disappointment in her choice. Disheartened by her parents’ reaction, Anowa decides to leave her family and embark on a journey with Kofi Ako. Although she loves him, she begins to realize that he is not entirely her ideal match.
Diplomatic Pounds & Other Stories (2012): This collection comprises twelve exquisitely crafted short stories that solidify the author’s esteemed status as a leading writer in Africa and beyond. Through her delicate and distinctive writing style, Aidoo explores ordinary subjects from fresh and unique perspectives. Her work challenges traditional norms, prompting readers to reexamine long-held beliefs and offering new insights into familiar themes.
An angry letter in January and other poems (1992): This thought-provoking poem intertwines themes of feminism and anti-racism as it responds to a letter from a bank. Beginning with the conventional tone of a response letter to a financial institution, the poem delves deeper to explore these important social issues.
The girl who can and other stories (1999): This collection of short stories serves as a powerful exploration of female empowerment. The author, an education administrator, passionately addresses the issue of limited educational opportunities for women in her contemporary Africa. Firmly believing in the transformative power of education, she advocates for women’s rights and strives to ensure that their progress aligns with the development of the newly independent nation. As a woman born in post-independent Ghana, she embarks on a courageous journey to fight for the rights of women and empower them with a new sense of identity.
After the Ceremonies: New and selected poems (2017): The poems featured in this collection delve into various themes, including colonialism, independence, motherhood, and gender, approaching them with an intimate and personal perspective while also offering commentary on wider social issues. The collection, titled “After the Ceremonies,” is organized into three sections, comprising both newly written poems and previously unpublished works.
Ghana, where the bead Speaks (2008): This captivating book is a vibrant, full-color volume spanning 106 pages. It brings together the poetic musings of renowned African woman writer, Ama Ata Aidoo, on the significance of beads within our society. Complementing Aidoo’s poetic reflections, the book also features an enlightening essay by Esi Sutherland-Addy, a professor of African Studies at the University of Ghana. Together, they provide a compelling exploration of the cultural and symbolic importance of beads in our lives.
Diplomatic Pounds & Other Stories (2012): In this collection of stories, the author celebrates the nuances of friendships and love while delving into the complexities of African Diaspora connections. The narratives explore the challenges and feelings of disconnectedness that arise from navigating different cultures, specifically Africa and the West, resulting in a sense of anomie and fragmentation. Aidoo’s keen interest lies in portraying the universal vulnerabilities and imperfections that are inherent to human nature. Through her stories, she sheds light on the shared human experiences that transcend cultural boundaries.
The Eagle and the Chickens and Other Stories (1986): The book contains short stories for children, teaching them
Birds and Other Poems (1989): This enchanting series of stories is crafted specifically for young readers, aiming to foster a love of reading from an early age. Accompanied by vibrant illustrations, these tales captivate young imaginations and inspire a lifelong passion for books. Whether enjoyed at home, in the classroom, or within school libraries, this collection is an essential addition to any literary collection dedicated to nurturing young minds.
The Eagle and the Chickens: A Story Retold (1986): This is a children’s book that retells a traditional African tale about an eagle who grows up among chickens and does not realize his true identity until he meets another eagle. The story teaches a lesson about self-discovery and courage. The book was published by the Ministry of Education, Curriculum Development Unit in Zimbabwe in the 1980s.
African Love Stories: An Anthology (2006): This is an anthology of love stories by African women writers from various countries and backgrounds. The stories celebrate the diversity and complexity of love in Africa, challenging the stereotypes and clichés that often dominate the representation of African romance.