On December 28, 2024, I 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 honor a man whose wisdom and kindness have shaped generations.
The first time I met Prof. Ofosu Amaah was at his home in the leafy suburb of North Kaneshie in 2000. I 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 me 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. He opened the door when I knocked, and I 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. Ofosu Amaah told me that he had taken to me during that very first encounter because of the deference and humility with which I addressed his wife as “Madam Elizabeth”—a formality that most people, at her insistence, set aside in favor of simply calling her “Elizabeth” or “Grandma.”
Even at that initial meeting, his quiet presence was striking. Growing up, I 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.
My relationship with him has deepened over the years, evolving into one of mutual respect and admiration. I have often found solace in his home, drawn to the long, enriching conversations that define our bond. Sitting with him, delving into history, governance, and life’s truths, I have always left with a sense of clarity and purpose. His ability to distill 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 my life but the lives of countless others, embodying values that are regrettably rare in our time.
To know him is a privilege; to call him a friend is an honor.
Prof. Ofosu Amaah, thank you for your wisdom, your kindness, and your enduring legacy. You remind us all what it means to live with purpose, humility, and humanity.
By: Ambassador Edward Boateng (Former Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China and immediate past Director General of the State Interests and Governance Authority
