Berlin honours One of Africa’s First Philosophers: Anton Wilhelm Amo from Ghana

Mohrenstrasse in Berlin’s vibrant centre now bears the name of one of the 18th century’s most significant philosophers, thinkers and jurists – Anton Wilhelm Amo. The “Decolonize Berlin“ alliance proposed him, born in 1703 in present-day Ghana, as the street’s namesake. He was chosen as an outstanding representative of resistance against racist and colonial structures. Having arrived at the court of the Duke of Brunswick-Wolfenbuettel via the West Indies Company, his studies led him through Halle and Wittenberg before he became a lecturer in philosophy at Jena. There, his academic work focused primarily on the legal status of the African population in Europe. With this name change, the city of Berlin sends a clear signal of respect towards people of colour.

„This is more than a street renaming – Anton Wilhelm Amo was one of the few Africans in Germany at that time. He let nothing and no one deter him from his path. His success was based on education and persistence. I have the utmost respect for his stance.”
Birgitt Smelty, Managing Partner of Smelty + Partners, Berlin, Germany

Philosopher, Thinker and Jurist of the 18th Century

The Enlightenment placed responsibility for one’s life firmly in human hands from an intellectual history perspective. Anton Wilhelm Amo’s intellect enabled him to pursue a career in philosophy. Amo studied and obtained his doctorate in Halle and Wittenberg. From 1736, he served as a lecturer in philosophy at the University of Jena. He dedicated his academic work to examining the legal status of Africans in Europe and throughout his career consistently signed his name as “Anton Wilhelm Amo, an African”. His particular contribution lies in his legacy of community solidarity and his compelling arguments for the fundamental equality of all people.

„As a philosopher who studied in Jena, I’m impressed by how Anton Wilhelm Amo demonstrates what philosophy can actually achieve. In this regard, he is considered one of the most significant philosophers in German and Ghanaian history.”
Maria Wagner, Member of the Smelty + Partners Education Team, Smelty + Partners, Berlin, Germany

Historically Connected

Last year, Smelty + Partners in Neuwied welcomed a delegation from Axim, Anton Wilhelm Amo’s birthplace. Among them was Queen Judith Manza Korsah, who revealed that Anton Wilhelm Amo also had ties to Neuwied. His friend, the Jewish medical student Moses Abraham Wolff, hailed from there and congratulated him in 1737 with a poem upon his graduation in Halle. In 1747, Amo decided to return to Ghana. He initially lived in Axim, later relocating to Shama at Fort Saint Antonio where he was granted lifelong residence. His story demonstrates that transformation is possible when we have the courage to take action.

„It all comes full circle: Anton Wilhelm Amo’s legacy continues. Working alongside our Ghanaian partners, we’re developing sustainable solutions for the people of Ghana. Our first priority is to improve access to clean drinking water.”
Claus Raemer, Strategic Consultant of Smelty + Partners, Neuwied, Germany