PROFESSOR ATTA ANAN MENSAH
(1922 - 2006)
He was a native of Winneba in the
Central Region of Ghana. He was
born in 1922 into a family of
musicians.
His father, Percy Mensah, was the
local examiner for the Victoria College
of Music, London.
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His musical talent became apparent from early
childhood when he learnt how to play the
harmonium.
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His education at Mfantsipim and later at the
Trinity College of Music in London, prepared him
for the task he was to undertake later in life.
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He was among the first batch of students that
were registered for the School of Music founded
and directed by Dr. E. Amu at Achimota College
in 1949.
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He later joined Amu at the School as an Assistant
Lecturer when the School of Music was
transferred to the College of Arts, Science and
Technology in Kumasi.
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When he returned from his Trinity College
training, he joined the Ghana Broadcasting
Corporation as the Head of Music Programmes.
In 1963, Atta Anan Mensah joined the staff of
the School of Music, Dance and Drama at Legon.
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In the mid 1960s he ventured out into Central
Zambia and Uganda as a reputable lecturer
where he successfully worked as Head of the
Music departments of the two respective
Universities.
During a sabbatical leave, Professor Mensah
worked also at the University of Illorin in Nigeria.
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Among his early compositions are
 Akono Mframa (Battle Scenes Echoes), 1952;
 Beach Fantasy (written for treble
instruments and Piano);
 Sanguruma,
 and the Highlife Medley for piano.
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His music is tonal and triadic, more so than that
of Nketia.
Divine Presence features among his piano music.
His collection of vocal compositions includes
"Adekyee fofor akye", written specially for his
spouse. Professor Mensah and his wife have
performed this on several festive occasions.
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Professor Mensah uses local materials and
techniques while he combines these beautifully
with the ideas he has acquired from classical
compositional techniques.
Professor Mensah is the founder of the
Department of Music of the University of Cape
Coast in 1977.