Born in November 1934 in Mpasatia, Atwima, our beloved Dada entered this world as the child of Nana Yaa Asase from the Ekuona Royal Family of Anwiam Ahafo and Nana Kwadwo Fordjour, Chief of Atwima Agogo. Dada spent his early years in Mpasatia, where he attended the Methodist Junior School from 1942 to 1948. Eventually, his family moved to Kumasi, where his education continued at the Government Boys School from 1949 to 1952. From there, he embarked on an educational journey that would shape his future.
In 1953, he enrolled at Adisadel College and excelled academically. With outstanding School Certificate Examination results, he was recruited by the United Africa Company (UAC) as a management trainee in Kumasi. His diligence (meticulous attention to detail) and exemplary work ethic saw him being offered the opportunity to pursue ACCA Accountancy training in the UK. From 1965 to 1966, he attended South Tottenham Technical College, where he completed his ACCA Inter. He continued his studies at South Bank Polytechnic from 1972 to 1973, successfully completing his final ACCA examination. Alongside his studies, he also underwent Service of Article training from 1960 to 1964 with Harold Leach & Son in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. He relocated to London in 1965. His professional career began as an Inland Revenue Tax Officer from 1965 to 1971, followed by a role as a Financial Accountant at Brown Roots Corporation from 1971 to 1973.
In 1967 he married Gladys Osei, who was a Midwife at the time. Their beautiful union has spanned 56 years and has been blessed with four children – Osei Kwadwo, Akua Asase, Asantewaa and Yaw Abebrese -and nine grandchildren.
Dada and Mama returned to Ghana in 1974, and he continued his accounting career with Ghana Consolidated Diamond Ltd in Akwatia from 1974 to 1975. From 1975 to 1978, he worked as a Group Accountant at GIHOC before assuming the position of Chief Internal Auditor at the State Construction Corporation (SCC) in 1977. After leaving the SCC in 1983, he spent some time abroad before returning to Ghana in 1985. During this period, he provided accountancy services to various private businesses. From 1986 onwards, he served as Chief Internal Auditor for the State Housing Corporation and the Forest Product Inspection Bureau until 1991. Additionally, he was on the board of the African Timber and Plywood (ATP) Samreboi. From 1992 onwards, he dedicated himself to the private sector, initially working in the timber industry and later establishing his own consultancy, providing accountancy, audit, and tax services. In 1994, he retired from professional practice to focus on farming in the Anwiam Ahafo area while also serving as an Ebusuapayin and indulging in ancestral research, tracing his roots to the Asante Denkyira Wars of the 1860’s.
In May 2017, Dada and Mama celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a renewal of vows. He was an active member of the Mount Olivet Methodist Church Men’s Fellowship and Bible Class. Dada immensely enjoyed watching Draught board games and taking part in thought-provoking conversations about current affairs. Unfortunately, illness plagued him from 2019, making it difficult for him to partake in his passion for farming. However, he remained an avid reader, always treating his newspapers with utmost care. His keen interest in the world around him made for fascinating discussions and problem-solving sessions with his loved ones. Throughout his illness, he received exceptional medical care from the finest physicians in Ghana, for which we will forever be grateful. On September 15, 2023, Dada peacefully passed away in his sleep. We bid farewell to a man who left an indelible mark on our lives. May he find eternal rest in the loving embrace of the Lord.