Source: UG College of Humanities
Ghana’s abundant wealth extends beyond its natural resources like gold, diamonds, and oil; it encompasses its rich pool of human talent. Among these treasures is Professor Kofi Agyekum, affectionately referred to as Opanyin Agyekum, whose remarkable contributions to linguistics, particularly in the Akan language, deserve commendation and celebration.
During my undergraduate days in 2017 at University of Education, Winneba – Ajumako Campus, prior to an Introduction to Linguistics exams, we were having a group studies discussion at one of our summer huts. There came a controversy that led to long disagreement and misunderstanding regarding a particular linguistics concept. As we kept discussing, a certain old man, with a briefcase appeared to be interested in our conversation. He stood there for a while, trying to get to know of the topic of discussion. After some time, he joined the discussion and gave us an insight to the discussion, solving every controversy. He asked in Akan, “Monim me?” We all replied no. He then introduced himself as Professor Kofi Agyekum. At a moment, we were all in awe to see someone celebrated across the Akan language fraternity and the whole Ghanaian language fraternity in person. Well, that was just by the way.
Professor Kofi Agyekum is a familiar name to avid listeners of Peace FM’s morning show “Kokrokoo,” where he regularly graces the panel alongside renowned Ghanaian journalist Kwame Sefa Kayi. Known for his profound understanding of Ghanaian language and culture, Prof. Agyekum maintains a non-partisan stance on national issues, despite his affiliations with both major political parties, the NPP and NDC. He offers insightful commentary on national issues without bias ad that has made him a highly esteemed figure in the Ghanaian society.
Born to farming parents, Opanyin Kwasi Agyekum and Madam Afia Ataa Boakyewaa, on March 21, 1954, in Kokofu-Agyinase, Professor Kofi Agyekum’s educational journey began at Kokofu-Agyinase L.A. Basic School in 1960. At the age of 15, he completed his middle school education. Following a stint as a pupil teacher in his district, he saved enough funds to pursue tertiary education at Nkoranza Teacher’s Training College, now situated in the Bono East Region of Ghana, from 1972 to 1976. There, he earned a Certificate in Education known at then as Cert A.
He earned his PhD in Linguistics from the University of Ghana, Legon in 2003, focusing his dissertation on “Akan Linguistics: Metalanguage and Terminology”. He also holds an M.Phil in Linguistics from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, where he explored “Akan Verbal Taboos in the Context of the Ethnography of Communication”. His academic journey began with a First Class Honours B.A. in Linguistics and Russian from the University of Ghana and a 3-Year Teachers’ Diploma from the School of Ghanaian Languages, Ajumako.
Professor Agyekum’s academic career is marked by a series of significant promotions: he became a Full Professor at the University of Ghana in 2010, an Associate Professor in 2005, a Senior Lecturer in 2002, and initially joined the faculty as a Lecturer in 1996. Prior to his tenure at the University, he was promoted to Principal Superintendent of the Ghana Education Service in 1989.
His extensive experience in academic administration includes roles such as Acting Dean and Acting Director of the School of Performing Arts, Head of the Department of Linguistics, and Coordinator of multiple dictionary projects, including the English-Akan Science Dictionary Project.
Professor Agyekum’s research interests are broad and interdisciplinary, encompassing Ethnography of Communication, Linguistic Anthropology, Pragmatics, Discourse Analysis, and Sociolinguistics, among others. He has contributed extensively to international journals and has published 70 journal articles and book chapters, along with 15 books. He is also actively involved in current research on topics like Akan Cognitive Semantics, health and medical terminology, and the language of political and media discourse.
In addition to his academic pursuits, Professor Agyekum serves on various boards and committees, including the University of Ghana’s Business and Executive Committee, the National Theatre Board, and the Ghana Institute of Languages Board. He is a regular panelist on the Kookurokoo Programme on Peace FM in Accra, that demonstrates his commitment to public engagement and education.
Professor Kofi Agyekum is widely recognized for his significant contributions to the promotion of the Akan language through radio broadcasting, a legacy that has left a lasting impact on Ghanaian society. He pioneered interactive newspaper reviews in the Akan language with the launch of “Afisεm” on Radio Universe, Legon in April 1997, a groundbreaking program that was subsequently adopted by numerous other radio stations across the country. His insightful commentary on political matters has earned him widespread admiration and respect from individuals across various political affiliations, thanks to his impartial and bipartisan approach.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Professor Agyekum is supported by his devoted wife, Mrs. Abenaa Akyaa Agyekum, whose unwavering support and understanding have played a pivotal role in his career progression. Together, they have been blessed with four children: Kwadwo Adubofour Agyekum, Akwasi Akomea Agyekum, Afia Ataa Boakyewaa Agyekum, and Maa Afia Akomea Bonsu Agyekum.
Thanks for sharing this
This is good. There are however a few updates that do not reflect here. He currently has 87 articles, 16books, 5 distance education modules and he lost his first son, Kwadwo Adubofour Agyekum last year in June
Thank you very much for this addition.