Basic 5 · History · Some Selected Individuals
Ghanaians Who Made a Difference: Sports and the Arts
In this topic you will learn about Ghanaians who brought honour to the country through sports, music, literature and art.
By the end of these notes you should be able to:
- Name Ghanaian sports stars and artists
- Describe their achievements
- Explain how they promote Ghana internationally
What you already know
- Education and science
Copy everything that has a blue line on its left into your notebook. The other parts are for reading.
- Strand
- My Country Ghana
- Sub-strand
- Some Selected Individuals
- Indicator
- B5.2.5.1.1 – Name Ghanaians who have made significant, Contribution locally and internationally
Introduction
When a Ghanaian wins a world title or an artist's work is shown in famous galleries, the whole world hears Ghana's name. Sports and the arts make our country proud.
1. Sports
| Person | Sport | Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Abedi Pele (Abedi Ayew) | football | African Footballer of the Year three times (1991, 1992, 1993) |
| Azumah Nelson | boxing | world champion in two weight classes; called "The Professional" |
| Asamoah Gyan | football | Ghana's all-time top scorer; played at three World Cups |
| Alice Annum | athletics | Ghana's female sprint star; reached Olympic finals in 1972 |
| Margaret Simpson | athletics | heptathlon bronze at the 2005 World Championships |
In 2010, the Black Stars reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup in South Africa, equalling the best performance by an African team at that time. The Black Satellites won the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2009, the first African team to do so.
2. Music
Dr Ephraim Amu composed many patriotic songs, including "Yɛn Ara Asaase Ni" (This Is Our Own Land). He encouraged Ghanaians to be proud of African music and dress. Philip Gbeho composed the music of Ghana's national anthem. Highlife music, developed in Ghana by musicians such as E.T. Mensah, spread across West Africa.
3. Literature and Drama
Efua Theodora Sutherland was a playwright and teacher. She founded the Ghana Drama Studio and wrote plays such as "The Marriage of Anansewa" and "Foriwa". She is also honoured for proposing the PANAFEST festival. Ama Ata Aidoo wrote famous novels and plays, including "Changes" and "The Dilemma of a Ghost".
4. Visual Arts
El Anatsui is a Ghanaian sculptor who makes huge, shining wall hangings from thousands of bottle tops joined with copper wire. His work is shown in museums around the world, and he won the Golden Lion award at the Venice Biennale in 2015. Theodosia Okoh designed Ghana's national flag in 1957.
New words
- athlete
- A person who competes in sports.
- champion
- The winner of a competition.
- composer
- A person who writes music.
- playwright
- A person who writes plays.
- sculptor
- An artist who makes three-dimensional works.
- national anthem
- A country's official song.
Summary
- Abedi Pele and Azumah Nelson are among Ghana's greatest sports stars.
- Ephraim Amu and Philip Gbeho gave Ghana patriotic music.
- Efua Sutherland and Ama Ata Aidoo are celebrated writers.
- El Anatsui is a world-famous sculptor; Theodosia Okoh designed the flag.
Class activity: Celebrity Interview
- One partner acts as a famous Ghanaian; the other is a reporter.
- The reporter asks three questions about their life and achievements.
- Swap roles with a different person.
You need: Portrait cards of notable Ghanaians, Ghana map, Exercise books
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. Who designed Ghana's national flag?
- A. Theodosia Okoh
- B. Efua Sutherland
- C. Philip Gbeho
- D. El Anatsui
Show answer
Answer: Theodosia OkohIn 1957.2. Abedi Pele was African Footballer of the Year how many times?
- A. Three
- B. One
- C. Five
- D. Two
Show answer
Answer: Three1991, 1992 and 1993.3. Which Ghanaian composed "Yɛn Ara Asaase Ni"?
- A. Ephraim Amu
- B. E.T. Mensah
- C. Azumah Nelson
- D. Kofi Annan
Show answer
Answer: Ephraim AmuA patriotic song.4. Azumah Nelson was a world boxing champion.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueKnown as "The Professional".5. El Anatsui is famous for football.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: FalseHe is a sculptor.6. Philip Gbeho composed the music for Ghana's national ______.
Show answer
Answer: anthemIt is sung on national occasions.7. Name two Ghanaian writers and one work by each.
Show answer
Answer: Efua Sutherland ("The Marriage of Anansewa"); Ama Ata Aidoo ("Changes").Any correct pairs.8. How do sports and the arts promote Ghana internationally?
Show answer
Answer: They make Ghana known worldwide, attract tourists and show our talent and culture.National pride.
Homework
- Write a short biography of your favourite Ghanaian sports star or artist.