Stories and facts

Efua Theodora Sutherland, born in Cape Coast, Ghana, embarked on a groundbreaking educational journey, studying at Homerton College, Cambridge University, and the School of Oriental and African Studies in London. Returning to Ghana in 1951, she began her teaching career and ventured into writing for children.

In 1957, Sutherland founded the Ghana Society of Writers, later evolving into the Ghana Association of Writers, and established the literary magazine Okyeame. She transformed Ghanaian drama by fusing indigenous traditions with Western literature in plays like "Edufa" and "The Marriage of Anansewa."

Her creation of the Ghana Experimental Theatre in 1958 laid the foundation for a vibrant theater community, influencing practitioners throughout Africa. Sutherland's dedication to academic and artistic development extended to her roles at the University of Ghana and as a research associate at the Institute of African Studies.

Her commitment to pan-Africanism was evident in her collaborations with prominent figures like Chinua Achebe and Maya Angelou. Her proposal for a pan-African historical theater festival led to PANAFEST in 1992, highlighting her enduring impact on cultural unity in Africa.

As an advocate for children's rights, Sutherland chaired the National Commission on Children and pioneered initiatives such as the Child Education Fund. Her legacy is upheld by the Mmofra Foundation and commemorated through landmarks like the Efua Sutherland Drama Studio and Children's Park in Accra.

Explore the life of Efua Theodora Sutherland below.