Entertainment of Monday, 25 September 2017

Source: Nana Achampong

Launch of ‘Our Motherland-My Life' - autobiography by Kojo Yankah

Kojo Yankah,founder of African University College of CommunicationsKojo Yankah,founder of African University College of Communications

A new book entitled "Our Motherland-My Life", authored by Founder of African University College of Communications, Hon Kojo Yankah will be launched in Accra on Friday, October 6, 2017, at the AUCC campus, Adabraka

The autobiography of the author highlights the intrinsic values of his life from school in Kwame Nkrumah's Ghana, through his public service with Adisadel College, SSNIT, GIHOC, the Daily Graphic and as director of the Ghana Institute of Journalism, as Member of Parliament and Minister of State till the time he resigned from Government, for reasons he reveals for the first time. He also records the challenges he faced in chairing PANAFEST for 10 years and establishing the first private communications university college in Africa, and he makes a strong case for a United States of Africa

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu 11, says, on the cover of the book : "As a public servant, he endeared himself so much to the chiefs and people of Ashanti with his hard work, humility and focus that when President Rawlings decided to transfer him out of Ashanti, there were protests all over. He took the bold step to resign from Government and till today his legacy remains in Ashanti".

Renowned African writer Ama Ata Aidoo writes: “Our Motherland… is an astonishing book: by, and about a most extraordinary human being. What Kojo Yankah has so far accomplished in one lifetime is awe-inspiring. The scope of his knowledge, of where he comes from, where he has been, and where he has traveled to, is enviable. His thinking, as well as his perceptions of our world, is breathtaking... Apart from the sheer joy of it, this book has to be read for an understanding of where Ghana, 'Our Motherland' has been since the early years of independence."

On his part, Special Representative of UN Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel Dr Mohamed Ibn Chambas says in part: "Yankah demonstrates his Afro-optimism by insisting on a return to the qualities that enabled the forebears of African liberation struggles to surmount formidable odds to win independence with courage, vision and unalloyed public spiritedness".

For Sir Sam Jonah, "From his journalistic career as editor of the Daily Graphic to his political postings as one of the best Central Regional Ministers in Ghana and his exemplary work as the Ashanti Regional Minister, Kojo Yankah epitomises the quintessential values of courage, humility and integrity."

The 256-page book, pictures included, is published by Ayebia Clarke Publishing Limited, UK, and has been successfully launched in the United States of America.

The Accra Launch will be performed by Sir Sam Jonah and chaired by Mrs Emma Mitchell, former Minister and Member of the Council of State. Former Heads of State, Ministers, Members of Parliaments, the Diplomatic Corps, Corporate Ghana, the Academic Community, Students and members of the General public have been invited to attend.

"Our Motherland, My Life" comes after seven successful books by the author including ‘The Trial of JJ Rawlings’, ‘Otumfuo Osei Tutu - The King On The Golden Stool’, ‘Dialogue with the North’ and ‘Crossroads at Ankobea’.
The event starts at 530pm prompt at AUCC’s Discovery House, Adabraka.