BOOK REVIEW: Kofi Otutu Adu Labi’s “Conjoined Twins”

Review by Rebecca Eduafo-Abraham and Manasseh Azure Awuni

1. All Things Bright and Beautiful

Foreword – Rev. Fr. Andrew Campbell

Number of pages – 282

Publishers- Step Publishers

2. MUSINGS from the Hill Top

Foreword- Ambassador Kwesi Quartey – Deputy Chairperson, AU Commission

Number of pages – 287

Publishers- Step Publishers

In the unending cycle of lamentations about life, it is almost impossible to find the inspiration needed to effect change and fix what everyone complains about. It is this inspiration Kofi Otutu Adu Labi provides in his book All Things Bright and Beautiful. In this book, one sees some of the brightest rays of hope and inspiration cutting through the long and gloomy night of despair and cynicism.

Unlike the compilation of abstract or vague admonitions which most books with such intentions end up being, the author weaves the shining fabric of hope and inspiration in the story of real life events and real life people.

Those who want inspiration for true philanthropy will find the story of Rev. Fr. Andrew Campbell, intriguing and touching.

In this book, one absorbs the lives of Prof. Francis (FKA) Allotey, Dr. Esther Afua Ocloo,   Emeritus Professor J. H. Kwabena Nketia, as well as the pioneering leadership of Dr. Emmanuel Evans-Anfom.

All Things Bright and Beautiful is a refreshing departure from what appears to be an overly enforced notion that leadership is synonymous with politics.

It is an inspiration and a call to action. Rev. Fr. Andrew Nii Lante Campbell’s Foreword to the book reinforces the essence of leadership and making an impact irrespective of one’s position in life:

Rev. Fr. Andrew Campbell’s verdict is, “All Things Bright And Beautiful is a gem of a book that every library must have!”

On Monday, August 5, Kofi Otutu Adu Labi launched his book at the Victory Congregation of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Fafraha. That programme, also saw the launch of a twin book by the same author, Musings from The Hilltop.

This book, in the words of the author, is for “the young person wondering about what kind of future lies ahead in the face of all the obstacles and not-so-good indicators around.”

It has 27 chapters and each chapter discusses real life situations such as building friendships, creating your own future, forgiveness and many others.

So, while All Things Bright and Beautiful points to the glamorous destination of the great men and women whose lives are bound to inspire the reader, Musings from the Hilltop guides the reader through the not-so clear-paths of dense forests, foggy mountains and flooded valleys through which one must navigate the complex maze of life’s journey.

Mr. Kofi Otutu Adu Labi is a story teller with a complex simplicity that provides comprehension. He writes in the first person narrative and he generously shares his rich experiences in life as he celebrates and shares the genuine joy of the great men and women he celebrates.

In the Foreword to Musings from the HillTop, Deputy African Union Commission Chairperson Ambassador Kwesi Quartey has the following to say, among others:

“Five books have already emerged from Kofi’s richly gravid mind and his mighty pen. Musings from the Hilltop is only the latest. Kofi writes eloquently on all subjects both worldly and spiritual, but the point, it seems, has always been to share his rich and varied experience in life and provide lessons in patriotism and moral philosophy. Our younger generation will profit from reading these reflections and reminiscences.”

On his part, Emeritus Professor Albert Fiadjoe, Chairman, Constitution Review Commission, Ghana, has this to say: “Kofi Otutu Adu Labi continues to enrich the literature landscape of Ghana with his inimitable and felicitous writing style. His books are simple, easy to read and his messages direct and piercing.”

With these two latest books, Kofi Otutu Adu Labi now has eight books to his credit.

The Author, Mr. Kofi Otutu Adu Labi