Ama Ata Aidoo Biography: Height, Ethnicity, Age, Net Worth, Siblings, Parents, Obituary, Children, Husband, Awards

Ama Aidoo was a Ghanaian author, playwright, poet, and academic known for her contributions to African literature and feminism.

With The Dilemma of a Ghost (1965), she became the first published female African playwright.

Her works, including Anowa and Changes: A Love Story, explored themes of postcolonialism, gender, and identity. She was a strong advocate for African cultural identity and women’s empowerment.

Profile

• Full Name: Christina Ama Ata Aidoo
• Stage Name: Ama Ata Aidoo
• Born: March 23, 1942
• Age: Passed away at 81 years old (Died May 31, 2023)
• Birthplace: Abeadzi Kyiakor, Gold Coast (now Ghana)
• Nationality: Ghanaian
• Occupation: Author, Playwright, Poet, Academic
• Height: 170 cm
• Parent: Nana Yaw Fama (father)
• Siblings: Kwame Ata, twin brother
• Spouse: Kofi Ako
• Children: Kinna Likimani
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $5 million

Early Life and Education

Ama Ata Aidoo was born on March 23, 1942, in Abeadzi Kyiakor, a village in the Central Region of Ghana. She passed away on May 31, 2023, at the age of 81.

Her father, Nana Yaw Fama, was a chief and strong educational advocate, influencing her early interest in literature. She had a twin brother named Kwame Ata.

Aidoo belonged to the Fante ethnic group and practiced Christianity. Before enrolling at the University of Ghana, Legon attended Wesley Girls’ High School, one of Ghana’s prestigious girls’ schools.

There, she studied English literature and developed a passion for writing, leading to the publication of her first play, The Dilemma of a Ghost, shortly after graduation.

Career

Ama Aidoo had a distinguished career as a writer, playwright, poet, and academic, making significant contributions to African literature. In 1965, she gained recognition with The Dilemma of a Ghost, becoming the first African woman to have a play published.

Her works, including Anowa and Changes: A Love Story, explored themes of feminism, colonialism, and African identity, challenging traditional gender roles and societal expectations.

Beyond literature, Aidoo briefly served as Ghana’s Minister of Education in 1982 but resigned due to ideological differences. She later dedicated herself to academia, teaching at universities in Ghana and abroad, and mentoring young African writers.

Her influence extended to literary activism, where she championed African storytelling and cultural preservation. Aidoo remains one of Africa’s most celebrated literary figures through her works and advocacy.

Awards and Nominations

• Commonwealth Writers’ Prize for Changes: A Love Story (1992)
• Recognition for her contributions to African literature, including honorary degrees and literary accolades
• Various nominations and awards for her influence in feminist and postcolonial literature

Personal Life

Ama Ata Aidoo was married to Kofi Ako. However, details about their relationship remain primarily private. She had a daughter, Kinna Likimani, who is known for her work in literature and women’s empowerment.

Aidoo was deeply dedicated to her literary and academic career, which shaped much of her public life. She was 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) tall.

Social Media

• Instagram handle: @amaataaidoo
• Facebook handle: Ama Ata Aidoo Centre for Creative Writing

Net Worth

When she passed, Ama Ata Aidoo had an estimated net worth of $5 million. Her primary sources of income came from her successful career as an author, playwright, poet, and academic. She earned royalties from her books, plays, and poetry collections, which were widely studied in schools and universities across Africa and beyond.