Celebrating Ghana's Heroes: Dr Ephraim Amu – The Man Who Made Ghanaian Music Special

Dr Ephraim Amu

Have you ever sung the song “Yɛn Ara Asaase Ni” in school or at an event? Did you know that a great Ghanaian named Dr Ephraim Amu composed it? His music has helped Ghanaians feel proud of their country and culture. Let us take a journey into his life and discover why he is one of the most important people in Ghana’s history!

Who Was Dr Ephraim Amu?

Dr Ephraim Amu was born on 13th September 1899 in Peki Avetile, a town in the Volta Region of Ghana. He grew up loving music and wanted to use it to teach people about Ghana’s rich culture. He later became a music teacher, composer, and organist, changing the way music was taught and played in Ghana.

How Did He Change Ghanaian Music?

In Dr Amu’s time, many schools and churches only used European-style music. However, he wanted people to appreciate Ghanaian music with traditional drums, flutes, and African rhythms. So he started composing songs in local languages such as Twi and Ewe, instead of only in English.

His most famous song, “Yɛn Ara Asaase Ni,” is a patriotic song that reminds Ghanaians to work hard and love their country. It is now considered Ghana’s second national anthem and is sung on important occasions.

Fun and Interesting Facts About Dr Amu

1. He Was Once Featured on Ghanaian Banknotes

Dr Ephraim Amu was honoured by being featured on Ghana’s 20,000 cedis banknote, first issued in 2002. This recognition placed him among Ghana’s most influential figures in history. The obverse side of the note featured his portrait, while the reverse side displayed the National Theatre of Ghana, symbolising the country’s rich artistic heritage.

However, when Ghana re-denominated its currency in 2007, the old cedi notes were phased out, including the 20,000 cedis note featuring Dr Amu.

2. He Wore African Clothes to Work!

In those days, most teachers and professionals wore suits and ties. However, Dr Amu loved African culture so much that he wore African cloth to work. This was unusual at the time, and he was even dismissed from a job because of it!

3. He Loved Playing Instruments

Dr Amu played many instruments, including the organ, piano, and the traditional atenteben (a Ghanaian bamboo flute). He helped make the atenteben popular and even used it in school music lessons!

4. He Taught Many Famous Musicians

Dr Amu was a music teacher at Achimota School, where he trained many students who later became great musicians and leaders in Ghana.

5. He Believed in Hard Work

His songs always encouraged people to work hard, be disciplined, and love Ghana.

His Legacy – Why Do We Still Remember Him?

Dr Ephraim Amu passed away on 2nd January 1995, but his music and ideas still live on. Today, Ghanaian schools, churches, and musicians still sing his songs. The Ephraim Amu Foundation was also set up to continue his work in music education.

In 1999, Ghana celebrated Ephraim Amu Centenary Year to mark 100 years since his birth. He was also honoured with a special award for his contribution to Ghanaian culture.

Lessons We Can Learn from Dr Ephraim Amu

• Love your country and culture.

• Work hard and be disciplined.

• Believe in your dreams, even if others do not understand them.

• Music is a powerful tool for change and unity.

Activity for Pupils

Try singing “Yɛn Ara Asaase Ni” with your classmates and discuss what the lyrics mean. How can you show love for Ghana in your daily life, just like Dr Amu did?

So the next time you sing “Yɛn Ara Asaase Ni,” remember the great man behind it—Dr Ephraim Amu, the father of Ghanaian music!

References

1. Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences. (n.d.). Dr Ephraim Amu: His Life and Contributions to Ghanaian Music. Retrieved from www.gaas-gh.org

2. Ephraim Amu Foundation. (n.d.). Legacy of Dr Ephraim Amu. Retrieved from www.ephraimamu.org

3. Government of Ghana. (n.d.). National Recognition of “Yɛn Ara Asaase Ni”. Retrieved from www.ghana.gov.gh

4. University of Ghana Archives. (n.d.). The Role of Dr Ephraim Amu in Ghanaian Music Education. Legon: University of Ghana.

5. Nketia, J. H. K. (2004). Ephraim Amu: Portrait of a Composer. Accra: Afram Publications.