The Late Emeritus Prof. Kwame Gyekye, a renowned Philosopher and profound contributor to African thought, ethics and scholarship, has been celebrated with a memorial lecture in his honour.
The Lecture was organised by the Department of Philosophy and Classics under the leadership of Prof. Hasskei Mohammed Majeed (Head of Department), in collaboration with the Gyekye family.
The President of the Republic, H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo who was the Special Guest of Honour, hailed the intellectual legacy of late Emeritus Professor, describing him as a towering figure in African philosophy.
“Prof. Gyekye was not just a Philosopher; he was a visionary whose ideas transcended boundaries and resonated with people from all walks of life,” remarked President Akufo-Addo. He acknowledged the profound impact of Prof. Gyekye’s works on scholarship and discourse.
“Beyond his academic endeavors, Prof. Gyekye emerged as a staunch advocate for African Unity and development, championing African solutions to African problems. His legacy, encapsulated in works such as “African Cultural Values and Introduction,” continues to inspire hope for a brighter future for Africa,” the President disclosed in his remarks.
Associate Professor of Philosophy at the Department of Philosophy and Classics at the University of Ghana and a Fellow of the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences, Prof. Martin Odei Ajei delivered an insightful memorial lecture focusing on the nuanced conditions governing citizenship recognition within Ghana’s constitutional and legal frameworks.
Drawing from a rich array of cases and insights gleaned from the seminal works of Prof. Kwame Gyekye, the memorial lecture speaker Prof. Ajei, delved into the humanist principles of secularity, equality and equity, which have historically influenced Ghana’s political landscape and shaped social and cultural identities.
Central to his argument was the assertion that Prof. Gyekye’s moderate communitarian citizenship concepts hold profound relevance in fostering national identities conducive to social stability and a collective commitment to the common good.
“In advocating for citizenship models grounded in principles of communal belonging and shared responsibility, Prof. Gyekye’s ideas offer valuable insights for nurturing cohesive societies where individuals find a sense of belonging and contribute to the welfare of the nation as a whole.” Prof. Ajei intimated.
Through his scholarly exploration, Prof. Ajei underscored the significance of integrating Prof. Gyekye’s perspectives into a contemporary discourse on citizenship and national identity, emphasising the potential for promoting inclusivity, social cohesion and a collective sense of purpose. In doing so, he highlighted the enduring relevance of Gyekye’s legacy and its potential to inform policy frameworks aimed at building resilient and harmonious societies in Ghana and beyond.
In remarks earlier to open the event as Chairperson, His Lordship Justice Emmanuel Yonny Kulendi, a Justice of the Supreme Court, paid glowing tribute to the late Prof. Gyekye for his deliberate efforts to reconnect people with their cultural heritage.
“His belief in eschewing individualism in favor of cherishing communitarianism should serve as a guiding principle for fostering a more responsible citizenship,” remarked Justice Kulendi, underlining Gyekye’s enduring influence on societal values and norms.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, on her part, eulogised Prof. Gyekye and his central role in bridging the gap between Western philosophy and African thought. Prof. Amfo lauded the late Emeritus Prof. Gyekye’s commitment to contextualising philosophical discourse within the rich context of African culture and tradition, noting with pride the University of Ghana’s association with the distinguished scholar.
Prof. Amfo expressed the University’s deep sense of appreciation for Prof. Gyekye’s contributions, affirming that his legacy would be fondly remembered and cherished within the University community. She expressed hope that “the institution of the Kwame Gyekye Memorial Lecture on citizenship would ignite a sense of civic duty, particularly among the younger generation and reignite the spirit of patriotism for the advancement and prosperity of the nation.”
Delivering the vote of thanks on behalf of the family, Dr. Maame Adwoa Gyekye-Gyandoh, daughter of the Late Emeritus Prof. Kwame Gyekye, expressed appreciation to the organising team as well as all the distinguished guests who graced the occasion.
The Kwame Gyekye Memorial Lecture provided an opportunity for the family of the late philosopher, the University community, colleagues, students and admirers to reflect on the late Prof. Gyekye’s contributions to academia, particularly in the realms of African thought, ethics and scholarship.
Graced by H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the memorial lecture helped to discuss the work, ideas, and impact of one of Africa’s great contemporary philosophers of . The memorial lecture coincided with the fifth anniversary of the late Emeritus Prof. Kwame Gyekye passing.
In a bid to keep the memory and ensure that the intellectual legacy of the late philosopher lives on, inspiring future generations, the memorial lecture will become an annual event with hopes of sparking renewed interest in his work and fostering ongoing dialogue about his contributions to philosophy and African studies.
