Ghanaian President Mahama to deliver first Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum Lecture at Bard College in New York

In accordance with preserving the legacy of the formidable writer the late Professor Chinua Achebe, a man who is regularly, described as the father of African literature, The Chinua Achebe Foundation has announced the launching of the inaugural Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum Lecture.  (Photo: Professor Chinua Achebe )

“On December 10, 2013, President John Dramani Mahama of the Republic of Ghana will deliver the first Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum    in Olin Hall at Bard College in Annandale-on-Hudson, New York. “The Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum is being organized as a high profile international platform to discuss Africa’s challenges in keeping with Professor Achebe’s life’s work.  The theme for the gathering this year is Africa’s Future: Hopes and impediments – inspired by Professor Achebe’s work.  President John Dramani Mahama’s lecture is entitled: “Women in Africa: How the Other Half Lives,” said Dr. Chidi Chike Achebe, MD, the third child of Professor Christie Chinwe Okoli- Achebe and the late Professor Achebe in an email statement Monday evening.

According to a Bard College press release, the Forum opens with a performance by the Ghanaian music group Sankofa. Bard College President Leon Botstein will welcome attendees and speak on the legacy of Chinua Achebe. Noted Ghanaian poet Professor Abena Busia, the current Chair of the Department of Women’s and Gender Studies, and co-director as well as co-editor of the groundbreaking Women Writing Africa Project will give a reading, and Professor Mrs. Achebe speak on “Professor Achebe’s Life in Perspective: The Writer and the Quest for Exemplary Leadership and Good Governance in Africa.” President Mahama’s lecture will commence at 5 pm.

Immediately after the lecture, there will be a Question and Answer period and then a round table discussion with President Mahama; the Honorable Nana Oye Lithur, who is Ghana’s Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection; Professors Myra Young Armstead and Peter Rosenblum of Bard College; Professor Busia and Amini Kajunju, President & CEO of the Africa-America Institute (AAI).  The subject of the round table discussion is “The Role of Women in the Development and Democratization of Africa.”

“It’s a privilege for The Africa-America Institute to be invited to participate in the Achebe Leadership Forum’s roundtable discussion on ‘The Role of Women in the Development and Democratization of Africa’ at Bard College,” said Kajunju in a statement, adding that, “Women have always been powerful drivers of development in Africa. Since the founding of AAI 60 years ago, we have worked to ensure their full participation in building strong, inclusive African nations through advanced education and training. Some of our outstanding alumnae are gone on to become Nobel Laureates, Heads of State, and leaders in their countries.”

Speaking further about the role of women, Kajunju said, “When women are educated and actively engaged in their economies, the socio-economic benefits for families, communities and nations are unparalleled. Expanding access to higher education and advanced training for both women and men is required to prepare African professionals for today’s global economy. AAI remains committed to harnessing all of Africa’s human capacity to move the continent towards sustainable development.”

According to Dr Achebe, a global celebration of Arrow of God, (a political and cultural novel published in 1964 by Professor Achebe) is set to launch on all continents in 2014.

The late Professor Achebe taught at Bard College for 19 years, the college gave him the title Charles P. Stevenson Jr. Professor Emeritus of Languages and Literature.

The program is free and open to the public, but reservations are required.  For reservations, email: achebeforum@bard.edu or call (845) 758 – 7094

By Dennis Kabatto

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