William Ofori Atta
Introduction
About
Date of Birth: October 10, 1910
Time of Birth:
Place of Birth: Kyebi- Ghana
Long: 0 W 50
Lat: 6 N 0
Time Zone: GMT 0
Ascendant: Unknown
Sun- Sign: 16 Libra 18
Moon- Sign:4 Capricorn 18
BIOGRAPHY
William Ofori Atta, also known as "Paa Willie," was a prominent Ghanaian figure, born on October 10, 1910, and passing away on July 14, 1988. He played a significant role in Ghana's history as a founding member of the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC) and one of "The Big Six," key leaders detained by the British colonial government in the pre-independence era. Later in his career, he served as Ghana's Minister for Foreign Affairs during the country's second republic from 1971 to 1972.William Ofori Atta, a prominent figure in Ghanaian politics, played various roles throughout his career:
William Ofori Atta was a founding member of the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC), joining in 1947. He won one of the Akim Abuakwa seats during the 1951 Gold Coast election. Later, he rose to become the leader of the United Party, opposing Dr. Kwame Nkrumah's government.
During Nkrumah's first republic, Ofori Atta was detained under the Preventive Detention Act. However, during the second republic, he served as a Member of Parliament for Akwatia. He held significant positions in government, including Minister for Education and Minister for Foreign Affairs in the Progress Party government of Dr. Busia.
Ofori Atta was also an active member of the People's Movement for Freedom and Justice (PMFJ), campaigning against the 'Union Government' concept proposed by General I. K. Acheampong.
Following the fall of the Supreme Military Council (SMC), he stood for president in the 1979 Ghanaian presidential election as the candidate of the United National Convention, finishing third. Eventually, he became the chairman of the Council of State for the Third Republic.
Throughout his career, Ofori Atta advocated for economic policies aimed at developing a strong nation and modern economy. He emphasized the transformation of the agriculture sector into a highly productive and profitable enterprise to serve as a foundation for expansive industrial programs.William Ofori Atta was not only involved in politics but also played significant roles in Christian circles.
Ofori Atta became a devout Christian and contributed actively to Christian activities. He was one of the founders of the Accra Chapel Trust, which later became the Korle-Bu Community Chapel, an independent evangelical church located at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra, established in 1967.
In addition to his political engagements, Ofori Atta delivered the J. B. Danquah Memorial Lectures organized by the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences in 1985. His lecture topic was "Ghana, A Nation in Crisis," reflecting his concern for the country's well-being and future.
William Ofori Atta passed away in 1988 and was accorded a state burial, marking the recognition of his contributions to both the political and religious spheres of Ghanaian society.The William Ofori-Atta Memorial Lectures were instituted in his memory after his death.