Meet Dr Oku Ampofo the renowned Ghanaian physician and sculptor
- Dr Oku Ampofo, was the founder of the Center for Scientific Research into Plant Medicine in Mampong-Akuapim
- The renowned Ghanaian doctor was a physician, Pan-Africanist, traditionalist, herbalist and sculptor
- Dr Oku Ampofo was born in 1908 at Amenase
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Born born in 1908 at Amenase, Oku Ampofo, became a renowned physician and founder of the Center for Scientific Research into Plant Medicine in Mampong-Akwapim.
He was acclaimed as a pioneer who used herbal medicine and also became known as an actor and an allopathic medical practitioner.
Ghanaianmuseum.com reports that his sculpture sits in the Africa Room of the Kennedy center in Washington.
As one of Ghana's foremost Pan-Africanist cultural advocate, he was a member of the council that helped establish the Institute of African Studies faculty at the University of Ghana.
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The Center for Scientific Research into Plant Medicine (CSRPM), Mampong-Akwapim was established by the Government of Ghana in 1975 as a result of the dream and vision of Dr. Oku Ampofo.
Dr Oku Ampofo started his carved work from African cedar, ebony and an exotic wood called afzelia.
He exhibited his works across the world in many countries including Senegal, Nigeria, England, United States of America, Israel, Brazil and Romania.
His works also influenced many contemporary Ghanaian artists, painters, sculptors and ceramists alike.
The Amenase indigene was christened Edward Oku Ampofo. His father was a divisional Akuapim chief known as Kwasi Ampofo and his mother was called Madam Akua Adwo.
Oku had two brothers, Nyamekye Ampofo Quashie and Kwesi Oku Asamoah.
Dr Ampofo started his basic school at Anum Presby. After he completed, Ampofo proceeded to Mfantsipim School in Cape Coast, where he had his Form 1 to Form 5 education between 1926-1929.
From Mfantsipim, Ampofo moved to the prestigious Achimota University College in Accra from 1930 to 1932.
It was at Achimota that Dr Ampofo met South African anthropologist and sculptural art professor, H. V. Meyerowitz, who had come to Gold Coast to teach art at Achimota College.
Professor H. V. Meyerowitz’s exertion encouraged a whole generation of Ghanaian artists and craftsmen.
After his memorable studies in Achimota, Dr Ampofo earned a scholarship to study medicine at Edinburgh University and Royal College of Edinburgh and Glasgow from 1933-1939.
Ampofo was an exceptionally intelligent student who qualified as a doctor in 1939 with the diplomas; L.R.C.P. (EDIN), L.R.C.S. (EDIN), L.R.F.P. & S. (GLAS).
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In 1940 (March to July), he had his post-graduate studies in Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine.
Whilst in England, Ampofo’s bursary was cancelled and was on the verge of being sent home but he got enrolled as a sculptor in Edinburgh.
Dr Oku Ampofo returned home after his education in England and later established an art studio as well as clinic.
The renowned physician, Pan-Africanist, traditionalist, herbalist and sculptor died 1998.
In other news, YEN.com.gh reported that Princess Ewurabena Pokou, was Queen and founder of the Baoule tribe in West Africa, now Ivory Coast.
Queen Pokou ruled over a branch of the powerful Ashanti Empire as it expanded westward.
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Source: YEN.com.gh
