Emeritus Prof Nketia Honored As “Legend Of The Ages”

An event was held at the Banquet Hall of the State House to honour the academic life and achievements of Emeritus Professor Joseph Hanson Kwabena Nketia. Emeritus Prof. Nketia is one of the celebrated minds in Ghana. His work in the field of music is acknowledged nationally and globally.

President Nana Akufo-Addo was on hand to pay tribute to this music legend. He stated, “one runs out of adjectives trying to describe this noble Ghanaian. A few come readily to mind, though – composer, ethnomusicologist, writer, scholar, instrumentalist, and, above all, Ghanaian patriot.” The President continued touting his achievements and used the opportunity to speak on the importance of inclusive education. The following were some words from his statement:

“Indeed, such has been his impact that, today, his concept and interpretation of time and rhythmic patterns in Ghanaian, and other African, folk music have become the standard for music scholars around the world, complementing that of another Ghanaian musical legend, Ephraim Amu, who, coincidentally, was his mentor. Such is the quality of the man we are celebrating today. His life’s work is a great message for the youth, that the sky is the limit for anyone who wants to work hard. This celebration also affords us the opportunity to apply Emeritus Professor Nketia’s ideas to nation-building. He has given us the gilded marbles, retrieved from the past, and it is our duty to incorporate them into the architecture of our culture and national identity, going forward.”
“Education, as we all know, is the equaliser of opportunity. At this juncture in our nation’s history, broad access to education is vital if we are to transform our economy from one dependent on the production and export of raw materials to a value-added, industrialised one. That is the rationale of the free Senior High School policy. It is meant to ensure that the doors of education, at least up to the end of senior high school, are open to all, irrespective of the circumstances of birth. An educated workforce is our surest bet of ensuring the progress and prosperity of our nation.”

The President was not the only person to celebrate the great man. He received citations from the various organisations and schools he impacted. The lessons from his life, academics and achievements are one that should be emulated by everyone.