An International Symposium and spoken Art Festival dubbed, “A Celebration of Kofi Anyidoho’s Contribution to African Literature and Culture,” was on Thursday opened in Accra.

The three-day event is being held at the University of Ghana-Legon, to mark Prof. Anyidoho’s 70th birthday, which fell on July 25th, 2017.

Emeritus Prof. Babafemi Adeyemi Osofisan, Vice President of the Pan African Writers Association-West Africa, and multiple award winner, formally opened the event and described Prof. Anyidoho as a man, who severally acted and worked out of his genuine capacity for compassion.

He said Prof. Anyidoho was an outstanding man in the world of the arts, who had won several awards for his works.

“An unrelenting Pan-Africanist, Anyidoho’s works often preach hope,” said Prof. Ofisan, adding that. as a historian, Prof. Anyidoho was keen on “keeping our heroes alive”.

He said it was worth noting that at the heart of Prof Anyidoho’s poetry, was a deep concern for others, especially the poor.

Prof. Anyidoho, in an interview with journalists, urged people especially the youth, to strive towards their goals, even in the midst of difficulties.

He said it was important to stay focused, in order to achieve one’s aim.

Prof. Anyidoho urged the youth not to give up, but to strive on in determination, towards their goals.

A poet, literary scholar, educator and cultural activist, Prof. Anyidoho recently retired as Professor of literature at the English Department of the University of Ghana, where he was installed in 2010 as the first occupant of the Kwame Nkrumah Chair in African Studies.

Some positions he has held include acting Director of the School of Performing Arts and Head of the English Department of the University of Ghana-Legon.

Prof. Anyidoho has also been involved with various initiatives to promote African culture and history, including Ghana television’s African Heritage series.

His published works include Elegy for the Revolution-1978, Earth Child -1985, Praise Song For the Land-2002, amongst others.

The event is being organised by the Department of English, University of Ghana-Legon.