Accra, Jan. 2, GNA – On December 28, last year, this writer had the distinct privilege of attending a refined and simple celebration of Professor Ofosu Amaah’s 90th birthday. It was a day that encapsulated everything he represents—grace, humility, and an enduring impact on countless lives. Family, friends, and admirers gathered to honour a man whose wisdom and kindness have shaped generations.
The first time this writer met Prof. Ofosu Amaah was at his home in the leafy suburb of North Kaneshie in 2000. He had gone to visit his wife, Madam Elizabeth Ohene, to discuss matters regarding the CNN African Journalist Awards, of which she was one of the lead judges, and most importantly, to get her interested in working with him and Mr. Martyn Mensah on the idea of a Presidential Debate for the elections due in December that year. Her influence played a major role in persuading a then very skeptical candidate Kufuor to sign up. (Interestingly, the current President-elect, then Minister of Communications, was the one the team negotiated with to secure the ruling government’s support and their candidate’s participation).
Prof Ofosu Amaah opened the door when this writer knocked, and simply said, “I am here to see Madam Elizabeth Ohene.” She had just relocated back to Ghana at the time from London to work on then-candidate J.A. Kufuor’s campaign to be elected the President of Ghana.
Years later, Prof. Amaah told this writer that he had taken to him during that very first encounter because of the deference and humility with which he addressed his wife as “Madam Elizabeth”—a formality that most people, at her insistence, set aside in favour of simply calling her “Elizabeth” or “Grandma.”
Even at that initial meeting, his quiet presence was striking. Growing up, this writer had heard of his towering intellect, his principled approach to life, and his immense contributions to academia and public service. Yet, it was his humility that resonated most deeply.
Prof. Ofosu Amaah is not just a repository of knowledge but a builder of minds. Numerous people have gone through his hands—students, mentees, colleagues—each carrying forward a piece of his wisdom and values. His influence extends far beyond the classroom or office, touching lives in profound and lasting ways.
This writer’s relationship with him has deepened over the years, evolving into one of mutual respect and admiration. He has often found solace in his home, drawn to the long, enriching conversations that define their bond. Sitting with him, delving into history, governance, and life’s truths, he has always left with a sense of clarity and purpose. His ability to distil the complex into the comprehensible, delivered with humility and warmth, is unmatched.
He is a teacher, mentor, and guide in the truest sense. Prof. Amaah has a rare gift for making everyone feel valued and heard. His guidance is never dictatorial but always thoughtful, delivered with the care of someone deeply interested in your growth.
In a world increasingly marked by superficiality, Prof. Amaah stands as a beacon of depth, grace, and compassion. He has enriched not only the writer’s life but the lives of countless others, embodying values that are regrettably rare today.
To know him is a privilege; to call him a friend is an honour.
Prof. Ofosu Amaah, thank you for your wisdom, your kindness, and your enduring legacy. You remind this generation what it means to live with purpose, humility, and humanity.
Prof George Kofi Ansah Ofosu-Amaah is a scholarly professor of Law.
He served as the Dean of the Law Faculty, University of Ghana, Legon, and the premier director of the Legon Centre of International Affairs.
He is an alumnus of Achimota School, and the Southampton and Cambridge Universities, United Kingdom. He is also an avid reader and an athletics enthusiast.
GNA