Ephraim Amu Papers
Scope and Contents note
This collection consists of the personal papers of Ephraim Amu. It includes his seminary notes on courses like Old and New Testament Exegesis, Isagogics, Symbolics, Ethics, Pastoral Theology and Dogmatics. He took these notes during his education at the Abetifi Basel Mission Seminary where he was trained as a teacher and catechist from 1916 to 1919. The collection also contains 15 diaries from 1930 to 1960 in which his daily activities during those periods were recorded. He also kept newspaper clippings on his musical performances, exploits and efforts in promoting African music. The bulk of his correspondence in this collection transpired during his public service career at Akropong Training College, Achimota College, Kumasi College of Technology and University of Ghana. There was a significant amount of correspondence between him and the people from his hometown (Peki-Avetile). There was also correspondence between him and notable people like K. A. Gbedemah, Ofori Kuma II, Nii Amaa Ollenu, G. A. S. Northcote, Daniel Chapman and J. P. Andrews. The papers include sermons and addresses that were delivered during morning devotions, Sunday morning and evening church meetings and other gatherings. It also contains speeches, lectures and unpublished articles. Other items of interests in the collection include photographs, financial records, invitation cards and articles and lectures specifically on music. As an educationist, he maintained a collection of the Teacher’s Journal that was periodically published by the Director of education in the Gold Coast colony.
Dates
- Creation: 1900-2005
Conditions Governing Access note
This collection is open to researchers by appointment. Please contact the Carl Christian Reindorf Archives and Special Collections at +233 508084780 (archives@aci.edu.gh) for access.
Conditions Governing Use note
The right of access to material does not imply the right of publication. Permission for reprinting, reproduction, or extensive quotation from the rare books, manuscripts, prints, or drawings must be obtained through written application, stating the use to be made of the material. The reader bears the responsibility for any possible infringement of copyright laws in the publication of such material. A reproduction fee may be charged depending on the use of the material.
Biographical/Historical note
Ephraim Amu was born on 13th September 1899 at Peki Avetile in the Volta Region of the Gold Coast now Ghana. His parents were Stephen Amu Yao better known as Papa Stefano, and Sarah Akoram Amma.
He was a prolific writer of African music. He wrote and composed the famous patriotic song "Yen Ara Asaase Ni" (This is our own native land) and other notable songs like Abibirima (sons of Africa), Asem Yi Di Ka (This word has to be said) and Adikanfo, Mo! (Pioneers, Congratulations!).
Amu received the Grand medal award from the National Liberation Council and the award of the Member of the Order of Volta in January 1973 by the National Redemption Council and various awards and commendations for his immense contribution to development of Ghanaian music.
He completed his middle school education in 1915 at Peki Blengo. Ephraim Amu attended the Basel Mission Seminary at Abetifi Kwahu in January 1916 to train for four years as a teacher and catechist. After his training, Amu taught at a middle school in Peki Blengo in 1920. In 1926 he was posted to the Presbyterian Training College, Akropong, as tutor of music, scripture and agriculture – three subjects which he loved passionately.
From the period of 1934 to 1951, Amu taught at the Achimota College. He was sent overseas to study music at the Royal College of Music, London, in 1937, and obtained the Associate Diploma in Theory of Music in 1940. He became the head of Specialist Music Department in 1949 at Achimota Training College. Amu got married in 1942 to Beatrice Amu.
Some students and tutors of Achimota Training College were moved to form the nucleus of the Kumasi College of Technology in 1951; Amu went along with it to Kumasi. In Kumasi he composed songs for the Ramseyer Presbyterian Church choir and also worked at the cultural centre together with Alex Kyeremateng and Bertie Opoku. Whiles at Kumasi College of Technology, Amu conducted research into various aspects of Ghanaian music in various parts of Ghana.
He went on pension in 1961. In that same year, he was invited by Dr. Kwame Nkrumah to submit a memorandum on music education in Ghana. It was on the basis of this memorandum that led to the establishment of the music department of the institute of African Studies of the University of Ghana, Legon. Amu’s service was once more engaged as Senior Research Fellow of the Institute of African Studies. Amu retired from the service of University of Ghana in October 1971 and the University awarded him an honorary doctorate degree in music.
Ephraim Amu died on Monday 2nd January 1995.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Nyaku, P. R. (1973). Biographical Sketch of Dr. Ephraim Amu. Accra, Amu Musical Society.
Laryea, P. T. (2012). Ephraim Amu Nationalist, Poet and Theologian (1899-1995). Akropong - Akuapem, Regnum Africa.
Government of Ghana (2017). "Patriotic Song." Retrieved Monday May 22, 2017, from http://www.ghana.gov.gh/index.php/about-ghana/the-national-anthem.
Extent
1.67 Linear feet
4 boxes: 10 folders; 15 diaries; 12 photographs; 36 exercise and notebooks; 8 journals.
Language of Materials
Multiple languages
Abstract
This collection contains the papers of Ephraim Amu (1899-1995), an eminent statesman who composed Ghana’s patriotic song. He was a music composer, song writer, music tutor, poet, and a theologian. The collection consists of sermons, invitation cards, health related records, legal records, financial records, newspaper clippings, note books and exercise books, photographs and his books and other published materials collections.
Arrangement note
This collection has been arranged in 12 series:
Series A, correspondence, 1925 – 1992.
Series B, invitation cards, brochures and business cards, 1930 – 1956.
Series C, Health related records, 1955 – 1960.
Series D, Legal records, 1957 – 1959.
Series E, Financial records, 1931 – 1964.
Series F, Newspaper clippings, 1933 – 2002.
Series G, Diaries, 1930 – 1960.
Series H, Sermons and addresses, 1919 – 1986.
Series I, Miscellany, 1951 – 2004.
Series J, Books and published materials collection, 1928 – 1986.
Series K, Note books and exercise books, 1905 – 1955.
Series L, Photographs.
Publication Information
Johannes Zimmerman Library - Carl Christian Reindorf Archives and Special Collections, June 15, 2017.
Immediate Source of Acquisition note
The collection was donated by the family of Ephraim Amu.
Processing Information note
Finding aid was prepared with kind support of Professor Philip T. Laryea and Professor Mrs. Gillian Mary Bediako. Entry into the Archivists' Toolkit was by Reuben Saah.
- Title
- GUIDE TO EPHRAIM AMU PAPERS
- Status
- Completed
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
- Language of description note
- English
- Edition statement
- Second Edition
Repository Details
Part of the Carl Christian Reindorf Archives and Special Collection Unit Repository
P. O. Box 76, Akropong - Akuapem
Accra Eastern Region 00233 Ghana
548206638
archives@aci.edu.gh