The late Professor John Evans Atta Mills’ Director of Communications, Samuel Koku Anyidoho, has launched his first book, “Uncompromising Thoughts: Leafing Out National Issues.”
The launch was held at the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences on July 24, 2024, marking the 12th anniversary of the death of President John Evans Atta Mills.
In his address, Mr. Anyidoho, who is the Chief Executive Officer of the Atta Mills Institute, expressed heartfelt thanks to Ambassador Kabral Blay-Amihere for chairing the event, retired Supreme Court Justice Jones Dotse for being the guest speaker, and Dr. Anoff-Ntow for reviewing his book.
He told the invited guest that he was loyal to the late Mills and had no regrets about working for him and giving him the opportunity; he would do that over and over again.
“This is the first time the sun has come out on the anniversary of President Mills’ death.”
He also expressed his desire to be inducted into the academy someday.
He shared how he and President Mills had discussed plans for life after the presidency, which led to the establishment of the Atta Mills Institute.
He also felt proud about owning an ISBN as an author.
He announced that once launched, “Uncompromising Thoughts” would be available on Amazon and Kindle to reach a wider audience.
“I thank God for getting the book out,” he said, reflecting on his journey from reading columns by Kabral-Amihere, Kofi Koomson, and PAV Ansah in The Chronicle newspaper during his university days to becoming an author himself.
He revealed that the foreword of the book was written by former President Atta Mills some twelve years ago and went after critics who doubted this and wondered how the late President could have written the foreword of a book launched after 12 years of his passing.
He also refuted claims that he came into politics for personal gain, adding that contrary to claims that he was bitter because he was out of the presidency.
According to him, he had always had plans because he knew he was never going to be at the presidency forever.
“You fly on the wings of a political party, but you perch on the ground of the nation,” he said, underscoring his commitment to the country’s well-being.
He also explained the significance of the book cover, where the clay pot represents him and the whirlwind signifies pure thoughts.
“Uncompromising Thoughts” was published by Buabeng Books.
The 200-page book is a compilation of articles written by Samuel Koku Anyidoho. The articles span across Ghana’s politics, education, religion, development, and international politics.
The opening chapter of the book takes the reader through a nostalgic journey through the lives through the lives of two of Ghana’s most impactful presidents, the late Jerry John Rawlings and the late John Evans Atta Mills.
The book contains a point of view that was once as close as possible to the ultimate seat of power on the land, and secondly, as a close observer of many decisions of subsequent seats of power. It is an unbending narrative, an unflinching account, and a must-read.
The book will also cause the reader to ask important questions about Ghana’s lagging development from various angles.
The Reviewer
The reviewer indicated that the author weaves together intimate personal stories with historical facts and public records.
He said he came to the conclusion that by mixing facts with commentary and narration, the author was going beyond a mere presentation of facts to seeking to advance the truth as he saw it above the facts.
He went on to encourage the author to publish the book in local languages and audio forms to reach a wider audience.
The title of the book he added “signals a clear vantage point from which the author recounts his experiences”.
To him, Mr. Koku Anyidoho, through the book, fearlessly articulates the fears, disappointments, and aspirations of the ordinary Ghanaian inspired by his privilege access to political power.
“It is this role of a country with integrity while holding guardians of power to account that distinguishes a relevant authority from a masquerading suffixist in any modern society.”
“Finally, to the author and publishers, it is to say that it is not enough to say that those books are written in accessible and easy language. It is still written in the English language, which makes it inaccessible to many who ought to read it. To give your advocacy full expression, I want to challenge you to strongly consider the possibility of translating the book into various local languages, even if it is an audio book. You have encouraged us to be free thinkers, and we must encourage ourselves to continue with the decolonization processes.”
Special Guest Speaker
The Special Guest Speaker, Justice Jones Dotse, a former Supreme Court Judge, commended the author, describing him as fearless.
According to him, he agreed to speak as a special guest because Koku is a powerful and skilled writer and comes from a family of academics and good writers; he is also fearless and speaks and states facts as they are.
He spoke on the theme “Together is Better,” highlighting the need for unity, teamwork, and the spirit of togetherness in achieving positive results.
He spoke passionately about how Mr. Anyidoho and the late Mills worked closely together until he (Mills) passed on to eternity, and yet, the death of Mills did not end Koku’s pursuit and manifestation of Atta Mills’ dream and experience.
He said this was exhibited through the establishment of the Atta Mills Institute, which Mr. Anyidoho established in memory of his mentor as part of efforts to protect his legacies.
He opined Koku remained faithful and truthful to the ideals of the late Mills’ and continued to expose his vision.
One other positive thing he identified about the book was how the author used Bible quotations, indicating that Mr. Anyidoho has become “very religious.”
In concluding his remarks, he appealed to the gathering to use Psalm 91 in praying for Koku.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
