Audio By Carbonatix
Ghana’s iconic poet Prof Atukwei Okai has died.
The Secretary-General of the Pan African Writers Association of Ghana died at the Korle Bu Teaching hospital, Friday after a short illness.
Prof Akilakpa Sawyerr on behalf of the Odoi and Okai families confirmed the death of the national icon in a terse statement issued shortly after his death.
Prof Okai, 77, is noted for his excellent poetry recitation and is believed to be one of the first real poetry performers to have emerged in Africa.
His performances on radio and television include an acclaimed 1975 appearance at poetry international at Queen Elizabeth Hall in London where he shared the stage with US poets Stanley Kunitz and Robert Lowell, and Nicolas Guillen of Cuba.
Prof Okai was survived by a wife and five daughters.
Latest Stories
-
South African clothing factories struggle after migrant workers flee
41 minutes -
2028 presidential talk ‘a betrayal of the cause’ — Vice President shuts down NDC flagbearer discussions
55 minutes -
Senegal court jails three TikTok influencers for insulting the president
2 hours -
This Saturday on Prime Insight: Ministerial reshuffle, democracy debate take centre stage
2 hours -
Hunter Biden says his pardon was ‘not good’ for America or his father’s legacy
2 hours -
Ghana EXIM Bank’s 10th anniversary CSR project transforms Hogbe Park into a modern astro turf facility
4 hours -
Kenneth Adjei embraces new defence role, pledges ‘renewed energy’
4 hours -
This Saturday on Newsfile: NPP politics, police bribery, helicopter disaster, and ECG crisis
4 hours -
Serial sex offender guilty of double murder and rape
4 hours -
Spain to impose border controls against Italy as row over Ceuta migrant influx intensifies
4 hours -
Gender Minister monitors LEAP enrolment exercise in Savelugu, Kumbungu
4 hours -
Luv FM High School Debate: Twenty schools get set to battle for 2026 crown
5 hours -
Gender Minister begins Northern Region tour to monitor LEAP enrolment exercise
5 hours -
Patchbay Band to share their story on E Vibes this August
5 hours -
GAUA resumes nationwide strike over pay disparities
6 hours