The final funeral rites of the late Professor J.H. Kwabena Nketia, renowned Ghanaian Ethno musicologist, was held today at the Forecourt of the State House in Accra.

The state burial held in honour of Prof. Nketia was attended by family, friends, high-profile personalities, students of the University of Ghana, and many well-wishers to pay their last homage to the late Professor.

Known for his love for music, arts and the Ghanaian culture, his funeral was characterised by lots of rich Ghanaian cultural displays as well as performances by the Winneba Youth Choir and the Immanuel Congregation Choir from the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Madina New Road, where he fellowshipped.

Many, who shared their fond memories of the musicologist in various tributes stated that the Emeritus Professor was an inspiration and a guiding light.

President Nana Addo Akufo-Addo, in his tribute to Prof J. H. Nketia stated that the latter’s field of music has been globally acknowledged adding that his concept and interpretation of time and rhythmic patterns in Ghanaian, and other African, folk music have become the standard for music scholars around the world.

He also said the late Prof. Nketia’s life achievement is a “salutary message for the youth that the sky is the limit for anyone who wants to work hard. Indeed, his life’s experiences point to the crucial significance of education”.



Professor J.H. Nketia was born on 22nd June, 1921 at Asante Mampong. He had over 200 publications and 80 musical compositions to his credit.



He was the first African Director at the Institute of African Studies, University of Ghana, and received awards including the Cowell Award of the African Music Society, Companion of the Order of Star of Ghana, Grand Medal of the Government of Ghana, and the Africanist Award of the African Studies Association of the USA for life long devotion to African Studies.



He died at the ripe age of 98 on March 13 and was buried after a private burial service at the military cemetery situated at Burma Camp.