Prof. Ladé Wosornu, FGA, a distinguished Ghanaian surgeon, poet, and academic, known for his exceptional contributions to both the medical and literary fields has been honoured for his outstanding global contributions to literature, arts, and science. The celebration, held on World Theatre Day at the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences (GAAS) Secretariat on March 27, 2025, also marked the recent occasion of his 88th birthday.
The event which was a collaboration between the Pan African Writers Association (PAWA), the Ghana Association of Writers (GAW), and GAAS, with support from the Creative Arts Agency of Ghana, highlighted the crucial role of playwrights in theatre. It featured dramatic readings, a panel discussion, a conversation with Prof. Wosornu, and the official unveiling of the reprinted edition of his short play collection, The Casebook of Dr. O. P. Asem.
Emerita Prof. Isabella Quakye (FGA), President of GAAS, who chaired the event, commended Prof. Wosornu, for his immense contributions to literature and academia. She also emphasized the importance of preserving literary works that engage with social issues, underscoring the crucial role of theatre in nation-building. Prof. Quakye further highlighted GAAS’ role in fostering intellectual and cultural growth, stressing that the Academy is dedicated to advancing national development by promoting knowledge, innovation, and creative expression, all of which contribute to the collective progress of society.
Speaking on behalf of the Creative Arts Agency of Ghana, Executive Secretary Mr. Gideon Aryeequaye reiterated the agency’s support for Wosornu’s work. He emphasized that playwrights serve as guardians of Ghana’s cultural values and praised Wosornu’s talent in bridging the worlds of science and art. National Programme Officer for Culture at UNESCO Ghana, Mr. Carl Ampah, noted that the event aligned with World Theatre Day by celebrating a key literary figure and reaffirming the power of storytelling in shaping societies and preserving cultural heritage. He particularly highlighted Prof. Wosornu’s unique ability to blend science and the arts, describing him as a model for STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics).
The event attracted a wide range of attendees, including Hon. Hackman Owusu Agyemang, Prof. Wellington, Dr. Mensah, and Mr. Oppong Amponsah (CEO of Adwinsa Publications). Notable veteran actors, writers, and literary enthusiasts were also present. Students from the Korle Bu Nursing and Midwifery Training College, the University of Ghana’s English Department, Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School, Accra Girls SHS, Holy Trinity Cathedral, and various basic schools participated as well. Key government officials, including Hon. Rex Marfo (Rex Omar), Presidential Staffer for the Black Star Experience initiative, and Mr. Wakefield Wisdom Ackuaku, Acting Executive Director of the National Commission on Culture, also attended the event.
Born in 1937 in the Volta Region of Ghana, Prof. Worsonu pursued his medical education at the University of Glasgow, where he earned his MB, ChB in 1963 and an MD in 1972. A Fellow of the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences, Wosornu has served in various academic and medical positions, including as a Professor and Consultant in Surgery at the University of Zambia and King Faisal University in Saudi Arabia. He is a prolific poet, with works such as Ete? A Woman of Africa, Journey Without End and Other Poems. His unique ability to bridge the worlds of science and literature has made him a significant figure in both fields, exemplifying the interconnectedness of arts and sciences in shaping society.
