The 3rd Faculty Lecture of the Faculty of Development was under the auspices of the Department of Rural and Community Development on Tuesday, 6th May, 2016 and the Speaker was Prof. Emeritus J. H. Kwabena Nketiah, the former and first African Director of the Institute of African Studies at the University of Ghana, Legon.
Speaking on the theme “The Relevance of African Studies in Contemporary Ghana”, Prof. Nketiah admonished all and especially the younger generation of scholars and students to use new ideas to stir up old folk traditional African wisdom, knowledge, customs and traditions in contemporary Ghana. He recounted his experiences and achievements over the years as a scholar, composer and practitioner of African culture and music.
He added that as a youth in the late 1940’s and being inspired by the music of Dr. Ephraim Amu, he composed a number of traditional songs in 1940’s which has been presently digitized and translated into books to the benefit the young generation. He said that these songs are rich sources of folk wisdom which will guide the youth in all aspect of their lives and admonished the youth to emulate same and similar things to bring the African culture and traditions alive. Some of his compositions are “‘edikanfo mo’”, “Nko! gyina yen”, etc.
Some of the dignitaries present at the function were Dr. Edward Wiafe (Ag. Dean of Faculty of Development Studies) who chaired the programme. Others included Nana Kwame Afari Bampoe (II)- Baamuhene of Okuapeman, Nana Adu Panyin (II)-Futusahene of Akropong, the Guest of honour, Dr. John Adu Kumi (Dean of School of Business), Mr. Richard Amfo-Otu (Ag. Head, Department of Environmental and Natural Resource Management), Mrs. Mary Adu Kumi (Director, Quality Assurance Unit) and Mrs. Nana Amma Twumasi (Ag. Head, Department of Rural and Community Development) the host.
Present were also the Parliamentary aspirant for NDC for Akuapem North, Hon. Appiah-Kubi, Lecturers, & Teachers, Clergymen, Assemblymen & women, Media men & women from GNA, U-TV, Daily Guide and Students from Akrofi Christaller Institute of Theology, Missions and Culture, Presbyterian College of Education, Okuapeman Senior High School, H’Mount Sinai Senior High School, Akropong Senior High School for the Blind and , Presbyterian Senior High School,, Mampong.