The Elizabeth Ohene: A Celebration of 80 Years of Wit, Wisdom, and Unapologetic Candour
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The Elizabeth Ohene: A Celebration of 80 Years of Wit, Wisdom, and Unapologetic Candour
In March or April of 1993, fresh from my transfer to London from Atlanta with Turner Broadcasting, I attended a party where a friend pointed out an animated woman dominating a conversation. “That’s Elizabeth Ohene,” he said.
Her name was legendary to me. Back in Form Two at Prempeh College, our English tutor insisted we read her Mirror editorials to master the Queen’s English. My friend Randy, Forkuo, an ardent fan, devoured her work and became one of our generation’s best writers. When I casually mentioned meeting her, Randy was ecstatic—“The Elizabeth Ohene?” he gasped.
A week later, he convinced me to visit her, marking the start of my relationship with Grandma.
Elizabeth has a way of leaving an impression. I once bid for a consultancy with her and left convinced I had lost the job due to her blunt honesty. When I voiced my concerns, she quipped, “A human being should not tell lies after 40 years.” At the time, she was in her early 60s, which made the remark even more profound. To my surprise, I got the job—and a lifelong lesson in candour.
Working with Elizabeth was always an adventure, but what stood out most was her ability to set aside corporate rivalries for the greater good. At the height of the fierce competition between CNN and BBC, she put aside her BBC cap to help us build the CNN African Journalists Awards into one of the most prestigious accolades on the continent—all without financial consideration. Despite her competitive spirit, Elizabeth recognised that African journalism deserved a united effort, and she played a pivotal role in shaping the awards into what they are today.
Her drive to win was unmatched, whether in journalism, politics, or even a friendly debate. But no matter how intense things got, she was always ready for a bottle of beer afterward. One unforgettable moment in the CNN offices in London saw her casually washing down paracetamol with beer, much to our horror—and her amusement. With her characteristic deadpan expression, she shrugged and said, “Beer works just as well,” leaving us in stitches.
During Mandela’s rise to power, her work in South Africa showcased her tenacity and brilliance, earning her the respect of ANC leaders—many of whom, like Cyril Ramaphosa, continue to shape the country today.
Her sharp intellect and fearless personality command respect wherever she goes, whether in newsrooms, political circles, or casual gatherings where she inevitably dominates the conversation.
As Elizabeth Ohene turns 80, we celebrate her legacy-not just as an exceptional journalist, but as a mentor, friend, and an unforgettable force of nature.
Happy 80th, Grandma. May your words continue to inspire generations to come.
Source: GNA
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