Dr. Litetia Eva Obeng at the launch
Dr. Litetia Eva Obeng, described as the grandmother of female scientists in Ghana, has launched a book on what she terms the ‘Silent Heritage’.
The book, ‘Anthology Of A Life Time’,talks about natural resources, especially those unobtrusive factors and features which do not meet the accepted definition of ‘natural resources’ although they are a part of the abundant resources of our environment.
The book which comes in four different colours ? purple, red, blue and green, delves? into other aspects of our environment drawn from her collection of lectures and publication during the last 60 years.
It underscores that “a country without a culture is nothing”, as well as makes provision for polices that will help sustain water bodies, parasitology and the environment at large.
Senior Minister Yaw Osafo-Maafo, in his speech as the guest of honour, commended Dr. Obeng for her collection of literary works in broad diverse topics compiled into a single book.
“You must have really organised yourself to bring out this impressive piece of work,” he said.
Mr. Osafo-Maafo stated that the writer combined idiomatic expressions and proverbs in a very sophisticated manner to communicate clearly the diverse environmental issues in the country.
Reading excerpts of the book to the audience at the book launch held at the Academy of Arts & Sciences where she was the first female president, Dr. Obeng said, “Our Silent Heritage gives us also, other precious resources which we do not seem to recognise or acknowledge as resources.”
She made reference to the sun, moon and stars, singing birds, humming bees, whistling winds and rustling leaves as examples of silent natural resources people often fail to pay attention to their existence.
“Without some of them, in many ways, our lives on this planet would, indeed, be dreary and grey!
The start of the day, gives us a sun which lights up our earth, instills its warmth deep into the living, energises the environment and sparkles sparkling gems on dew-tinged grass lawns!
Yet we hardly acknowledge this amazing event as a precious resource,” she added.
The Minister for Environment Science, Technology & Innovation, Prof. Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, chairperson for the event, recommended the book for all to have a renewed commitment towards protecting the environment.
A total of GH¢56,000 was generated from the sale of the book, with the first copies going to Mr. Osafo-Maafo for GH¢10,000.
By Jamila Akweley Okertchiri & Nadia Nimako