Ephraim Amu, the composer of ‘Yen Ara Asaase Ni’ song

Ephraim Koku Amu is popularly known for his  famous patriotic ‘Yen Ara Asaase Ni‘  composed song.

He was born on 30th September 1899 at Peki-Avetile in the Volta Region of Ghana to Mr. Stephen Amuyiaa and madam Sarah Akoram Ama all of a blessed memory.

He started his basic education at the age of 12 at Peki-Blengo Evangelical Presbyterian Boarding Middle School.

At E.P School that is where Ephraim loves for music started and showed much interest in learning how to play musical instruments.

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He also engaged in farming, where he took the inspiration from his parents, since all of them were farmers.

He enjoyed music during church service and other occasion where music is being played.

In 1915, he passed his examination, at Abetifi Seminary School.

During his school days at Abetifi, he and other mates have to walk all the way from Abetifi to Peki which was a stressful long journey for them.

He realized that some of his mates were having bicycles which they use for errands during schools days and after schools.

Ephraim decided to design his own bicycle from wood. He was able to carved his wooden bicycle successfully and even the Swiss Principal of the seminary ride his bicycle on several occasions and applaud him for his creativity.

He became a teacher and preacher. Furthermore, he was using motor bicycle, which was Common by then, to travel to other communities in the Eastern region to spread the word of God.

In 1920, he was appointed to his former School, Peki-Blengo E.P school as music teacher.

He taught music and perform his favorite songs for students, congregation and other dignitaries who invited him to an events.

Mostly, Ephraim used traditional bamboo flute (atenten ben’) instrument when performing.

‘Israel hene’, ‘Yetu Osa’, ‘ Onipa da wo ho so’, ‘Yaanom Abibriman’,’Asem yi di ka’, ‘Biako ye’, ‘Adikanfo mo’, ‘Bonwire Kente’ are some of the songs he composed.

‘Yen Ara Asaase Ni’ is one of the song that brought him to the spotlight.

The songs tell how individual should be patriotic and protect the homeland for the next generation.

In all his preaching services, he put on African wear and was questioned by many European Missionaries for his attire, but he continued to wear his favorite African wear until his departure.

Even In 1933, as a Teacher at Presbyterian Training College (PTC),he  was sacked by Basel Missionaries for wearing Kente, a traditional Ghanaian garment, while teaching in class.

Ephraim Amu got married to Beatrice Yao at the age of 43.

He was honored with a doctoring degree in music by University of Ghana, Legon, on 27th March 1965.

He died on January 2nd 1995 at the age of 95.