Prof. Kenneth Agyeman Attafuah has paid tribute to the late Ghanaian forestry professor Kofi Akamani, recalling his warmth, organisational skills and contribution to an international forum on peace, justice and reconciliation in the United States in 2008.
Report suggests Akamani died following a shooting in Jackson County, Illinois, in the United States.
Akamani, 48, was a professor of forest recreation and conservation social science at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIU), where his research focused on natural resource management and how rural communities respond to environmental and economic changes.
Below is Prof Attafuah’s write -up:
I am deeply saddened by the tragic and untimely passing of Prof. Kofi Ankama of the Department of Forestry at Southern Illinois University in the United States.
I first met Prof. Ankama in March 2008, when he was completing his Ph.D. in Natural Resources at the University of Idaho in Moscow, Idaho, USA. He played a pivotal role in the organisation of an international forum held under the banner of the Annual Borah Symposium on the Outlawry of War at the University of Idaho. At that memorable forum, former South African President F. W. de Klerk and I were the principal speakers.
Our discussions centred on pathways to peace, justice and reconciliation in post-conflict societies. Both South Africa and Ghana had experienced the painful process of confronting and excavating difficult chapters of their respective histories, including egregious human rights violations, and seeking ways to advance the cause of truth, justice, reconciliation and national healing.
Prof. Ankama’s exceptional social and organisational skills were instrumental in the successful organisation of the Borah Symposium. His warmth, commitment and ability to bring people together left a lasting impression on me.
I deeply regret his passing and extend my heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family, colleagues, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him.
May his soul rest peacefully in the bosom of his Maker, and may his memory continue to inspire all those whose lives he touched.
