pThe Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MoTAC) in collaboration with the National Commission on Culture (NCC) have commiserated with the bereaved family of the late Emeritus Professor Joseph Hanson Kwabena Nketia.
The Deputy Minister of MoTAC, Dr Ziblim Iddi, led the delegation which included Mr Socrate Safo, Director of Creative Arts, responsible for Programmes & Projects at the Commission, Mark Okraku Mantey, president of the Creative Arts Council, Mr Kofi Hene, Office of the President, Madam Janet Edna Nyame, Executive Director of the NCC.
Dr Iddi described Prof. Nketia’s death as “shocking” while expressing his condolence to the family.
“As a ministry, our heart is with the family and we assure you of our support during the arrangement and burial of the renowned Ghanaian teacher, musician, composer and writer” he said.
Spokesperson for the family, Reindorf Perbi, told the delegation that the family was happy about the visit.
He said the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has assured the family of a state burial which will take place on May 4, 2019 at the forecourt of the state house.
Ghana’s astute scholar and ethnomusicologist, Emeritus Professor Nketia, died after as short illness on March 6 at the Legon Hospital.
The 97-year-old Emeritus Professor was regarded as a bridge between Ghana’s indigenous and modern culture.
He has over 80 classical African music compositions and 200 scholarly publications in English and Twi languages, which he used as a vessel to write more than 20 books. His works have shaped African studies within and outside Ghana.
Subsequently a book of condolence was signed by Dr Iddi on behalf of the ministry.
BY BENEDICTA GYIMAAH FOLLEY
