KOFI ANYIDOHO

Kofi Anyidoho stands as a distinguished figure in Ghanaian literature, celebrated both for his poetic prowess and his academic contributions to the field. Born on July 25, 1947, in Wheta, within Ghana's Volta Region, Anyidoho hails from a lineage steeped in the rich tradition of Ewe poetry and oral artistry.

Educated in Ghana and the United States, Anyidoho holds a Bachelor of Arts Honours degree in English & Linguistics from the University of Ghana, Legon, along with a Master of Arts in Folklore from Indiana University Bloomington. He furthered his academic journey by attaining a Ph.D. in Comparative Literature from the University of Texas at Austin.

With a diverse educational background, Anyidoho embarked on a multifaceted career that encompassed teaching at various educational levels, from primary to secondary school. Eventually, he transitioned to academia, joining the faculty of the University of Ghana-Legon, where he currently serves as a Professor of Literature in the English Department. Throughout his tenure, Anyidoho has held notable positions such as Director of the CODESRIA African Humanities Institute Program and acting Director of the School of Performing Arts.

An acclaimed poet, Anyidoho's literary oeuvre is distinguished by its unique synthesis of modernity and tradition, seamlessly blending contemporary themes with the timeless essence of Ewe oral tradition. His poetic voice resonates with hope, echoing the griotic style of performance and oration inherent in Ewe culture.

Recognition for his literary contributions has been abundant, with Anyidoho receiving prestigious awards such as the Valco Fund Literary Award, the Langston Hughes Prize, and the BBC Arts and Africa Poetry Award, among others. Additionally, his academic writings, exploring themes of diaspora, exile, and the Pan African ideal, have garnered critical acclaim and contributed significantly to scholarly discourse.

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