Ama Ata Aidoo had a reach beyond Ghana, President Nana Akufo-Addo has eulogised, saying the late writer's contribution to the world's literary body of work, was substantial.

"I heard of the news of the death of Ama Ata Aidoo with sadness and sorrow," the president tweeted on Friday, 2 June 2023, adding: "I extend my deepest sympathies and condolences to her children and family on their great loss."

He said: "Through her work, she made a tremendous contribution to the development of our country and continent, and expressed so many of our feelings about our fate as Ghanaians and, indeed, as Africans."

"We will miss her; the continent and the world will miss her," the president added. 

He said: "She had a reach that was beyond Ghana," condoling: "May her soul rest in perfect peace until the Last Day of the Resurrection when we shall all meet again. Amen."

Prof Ata Aidoo died on Wednesday, 31 May 2023 at the age of 83.

Family head Kwamena Essandoh Aidoo announced, "with deep sorrow but in the hope of the resurrection," that "our beloved relative" and writer passed away in the early hours of Wednesday after a short illness."

The statement said funeral arrangements would be announced in due course. 

"The family requests privacy at this difficult momen," the statement appealed.

One of Ata Aidoo's most famous literary works is The Dilemma of a Ghost.

I heard of the news of the death of Ama Ata Aidoo with sadness and sorrow. I extend deepest sympathies and condolences to her children and family on their great loss. pic.twitter.com/KPSBc6REFD

— Nana Akufo-Addo (@NAkufoAddo) June 2, 2023

She was my contemporary at the University of Ghana, someone with whom I enjoyed friendly and productive relations. Ama Ata Aidoo was a big Ghanaian, and one of the outstanding writers of her generation.

— Nana Akufo-Addo (@NAkufoAddo) June 2, 2023

Through her work, she made a tremendous contribution to the development of our country and continent, and expressed so many of our feelings about our fate as Ghanaians and, indeed, as Africans.

— Nana Akufo-Addo (@NAkufoAddo) June 2, 2023

We will miss her; the continent and the world will miss her. She had a reach that was beyond Ghana. May her soul rest in perfect peace until the Last Day of the Resurrection when we shall all meet again. Amen!

— Nana Akufo-Addo (@NAkufoAddo) June 2, 2023