Writers association remembers Dr Rex Quartey
Dr. Rex Quartey worked fulltime as the Manager of Public Relations at the State Insurance Corporation (SIC) but his soul was with the literary world.
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The National Executive of the Ghana Association of Writers (GAW) visited him at his Latebiokorshie residence on February 25, 2015.
Though he was ailing, we enjoyed our conversation with him and he still entertained great hopes for GAW and we looked forward to more delightful reminisces with him. It was therefore with shock and sorrow when we heard that he had passed on to eternity on November 29, 2015.
It was a particularly heart-rending experience when, two days after his departure, Prof. Atukwei Okai, Secretary General of the Pan African Writers Association (PAWA), unaware of his passing, led officials of PAWA to visit our literary brother.
Dr. Quartey served Ghana in many capacities. He was GAW’s representative on the National Media Commission and a founding and Board member of CopyGhana, a reprographic rights organisation but his direct services to GAW were notable.
Dr. Quartey joined the association as a young man in the early 1970s. He collaborated with Prof. Atukwei Okai, Dr. Kobina Ayi Acquah, Alex Agyei Agyiri, Alottey Pappoe, Nana Otua Owusua I, Fred Agbobli, Anumnyam and others to keep GAW going in a period of turbulence for the association and the nation as a whole.
He was the Executive Secretary, that is, the chief administrator, of GAW for many years until 2010 when his health began to wane. His service to GAW was a sacrificial job; he was not paid for his tireless labours.
We at GAW have not forgotten his sacrifice. We will find a way to immortalise his name!
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He was a man of letters; he published poetry, essays and articles. He performed his poetry at literary evenings organised by GAW.
Among his publications was his regular column in the Daily Graphic entitled Reflections. These articles were devoured by his numerous national readers.
His last book of poetry, Roses in Your Eyes, was published by Smartline Publishers and launched at the National Theatre in 2011.
Dr. Rex Quartey, who will be buried at the Awudome Cemetery in Accra on Saturday, February 27, held the light of GAW aloft, even as it was buffeted by wicked winds. His light has only dimmed. It has not been and will never be extinguished!
Ataa Rex, Yaa wo dzogbaan!
