Book launched in honour of Dr Ephraim Amu

Accra, Nov 26,- Ephraim Amu Foundation has launched a book titled “Patriotism and Nation Building, Perspectives from the Life and Utterances of Ephraim Amu in loving memory of the ideologies of the national hero Dr Amu.

The 399-page book authored by Reverend Professor Philip Laryea, the Dean of Accredited Studies, Akrofi Christaller Institute and published by Sub-Saharan Publishers, captures the nationalistic concerns and instincts of the foremost crusader of indigenization, Dr Ephraim Amu.

The book divided into three main parts has part one entitled: Toward Building a Nation State Education and other concerns (1914-1951) analyses twenty-seven sermons and addresses given by the late Dr Amu on different occasions.

The part two of the work covers the pre and post independent era, that is from 1952-1960 whiles the part three of the book entitled: Toward A New Dawn covers addresses and sermons from 1968-1986.

Most Reverend Professor Emmanuel Asante, Chairman, National Peace Council who reviewed the book said as early as 1916 and more than a decade before ‘Yen ara asase ni’ was composed, Dr Amu was already addressing matters of social, political, historical and religious concerns in his sermons.

He said Dr Amu pioneered the notion that a cohesive society was fundamental to the success of a nation and his outstanding of education as the bedrock of nation building was outstanding.

Most Rev. Prof. Asante added that Dr Amu had zero tolerance for negative attitudes which still plague the nation such as corruption, lack of respect for time, idleness, obsession of wealth, lowering of moral standards and the unnerving lack of pride and respect for traditional values.

Most Rev. Prof. Asante said the book is a priceless gem and must have for all educational institutions saying: “It is a book that should been seen on the shelves of every library across the nation.

Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, the Okyehene, and paramount chief of the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area in his address said the concept of the book is an outstanding one and the words of Dr Ephraim Amu would forever breathe in the hearts and minds of readers.

He said the legacy of Dr Ephraim Amu deserves better and as such we need as a people to learn and appreciate him as a national hero who stood up for Ghana.

Sir Samuel Esson Jonah, the  Executive Chairman of Jonah Capital Equity Fund who chaired the ceremony said: “Patriotism and Nation Building’’ is an outstanding book immeasurably to the appreciation of the man Dr. Ephraim only knew as a Great Composer.

Rev. Laryea said that the exploits of the great man Dr Ephraim Amu which is captured in the book is a reminder that he shares the values linked to the Akrofi Christian Life Institute in promoting excellence and expressed gratitude to the dedicated lecturers and class of 1985 of the Trinity Theological Institute.

GNA