Joe Appiah: The Autobiography of an African Patriot

Joe Appiah lived an extraordinary life against a tumultuous background. This is the story of his life, his country, and his continent - the memoirs of an African patriot living through one of the most remarkable periods of change in Ghanian history. Appiah views his country's history from his own uniquely personal perspective: that of an Ashanti aristocrat, heir to a leading Ashanti capitalist, a devout methodist. Born in 1918, Appiah actively engaged in the politics of his country from colonial domination, through independence in 1957, and for the next 25 years of political, military, and economic unrest. He left the murky waters of politics in 1979 having suffered imprisonments and intimidations at the hands of those he helped free from colonial rule. He died in July 1990.

The memoirs of Joe Appiah cover a momentous sixty year period of African colonialism and Ghanian independence. A foreword by Henry Louis Gates, Jr. acquaints the reader with Akan/Ashanti culture and modern Ghanian political history. Appiah's own story begins in 1918. His vivid description of his childhood includes a unique look at elite British colonial education. A nine year stay in London incorporates his activities with W.A.S.U., the West African Student's Union, one of the major organizations articulating demands for African independence. With Ghanian independence, we follow Appiah the politician, diplomat, and critic of an increasingly authoritarian, corrupt government. Written from his own perspective, Appiah frequently avoids dwelling on great moments but stops to reflect on private matters. Although a devout methodist, spirits and ancestors comfortably mingle through his memoirs. His readers will be absorbed by his life. They will touch his country and his continent.