The President, Nana Akufo-Addo, has asked the youth to learn from the life of the late Emeritus Professor Joseph Hansen Kwabena Nketia and do better.

Nana Akufo-Addo said this at the pre-burial service of the renowned ethnomusicologist that came off on Saturday, May 4, at the forecourt of the State House in Accra.

He said, “His life’s achievement is a salutary message for the youth, that the sky is the limit for anyone who wants to work hard. Indeed his life experiences point to the crucial significance of education.”

The President advocated a Ghana where holistic cultures and identities played key roles in how to navigate the challenges posed by globalisation.

“For me, I am confident that if we apply the works of Professor Nketia we shall be further emboldened to construct a modern democratic nation based on equity, respect, self-worth and inclusion.”

"We will then build a new Ghanaian civilisation, a Ghana beyond Aid, which will witness a new flowering of Ghanaian art and culture," he stated.

Hundreds of mourners turned up at the State House to say goodbye to one of Ghana's illustrious sons. Among them were producer and director Kwaw Ansah, Tourism Minister, Barbara Oteng Gyasi and Former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings.

The pre-burial service saw a rich cultural display interspersed with the performance of his works through music and poetry.

President Akufo-Addo speaking at the pre-burial service

Reverend Dr Priscilla Naana Nketia, the daughter of the late Prof. Nketia, in a tribute said, “Our father was a statesman, a renowned scholar and ethnomusicologist, but to us, he was just a daddy. 

"A father who cared for us and did everything in his power to see our education to the highest levels. Daddy was a good listener and very supportive of our respective career paths. 

"The name Nketia evoked some instructions from our seniors and our respective teachers. Akosua was forced by her music teacher, Mr Essah, to do O’Level Music instead of History, which she preferred.”

A tribute by the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG), read by Dr Vladimir Antwi Danso, an International Relations expert talked about the works of the Professor and his contribution to the church.

“His demeanour was typically Presbyterian – calm, focused and disciplined…two years ago the congregation deemed it appropriate to celebrate the life of Prof. Nketia at church for his immense contribution to humanity in general and the Presbyterian Church of Ghana in particular,” he added.

 Professor Emeritus Joseph Hansen Kwabena Nketia was survived by three daughters, seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

He had over 200 publications and more than 80 musical compositions to his credit. Prof. Nketia’s mortal remains were interred at the Military Cemetery.