Biography
A Royal Beginning
Kwame Poku Agyekum was born on March 6, 1935, in Kumasi to Francis Edward Kofi Agyekum and Maame Akua Aniwaa. He was the only son of his mother and later became the first of seven sons of his father. His family had deep royal ties—his grandfather was Nana Yaw Boakye, Omanhene of Bekwai. In recognition of this heritage, the reigning Bekwaihene, Nana Kwame Poku, named him after himself, sending a royal delegation to perform his naming ceremony. He was later baptized as Francis Emmanuel by his Catholic parents.
Early Education and Sporting Talent
Kwame Poku began his education at St. Peter’s Catholic School in Kumasi under the name Francis Emmanuel Kwofie, the surname his father was then known by. After his father’s transfer to Accra in 1948, he continued at St. Joseph’s Catholic School in Adabraka. He passed the Common Entrance Examination (BECE) and gained admission to St. Augustine’s College, Cape Coast, in 1951, where he excelled academically and obtained the Cambridge ‘O’ and ‘A’ Levels. Beyond academics, he had a passion for Table Tennis. His skill in the sport earned him the nickname “Mollings”, after the world’s top player at the time, reflecting his exceptional talent on the court.
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Higher Education and Career Beginnings
In 1958, Kwame Poku enrolled at the University of Ghana, where he made a bold switch from Classics (Latin, Greek, and French) to Economics. After earning his Bachelor’s degree in 1961, he pursued a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration at GIMPA.
His career began in 1962 as an Assistant Secretary at the Ministry of Industries. He later earned another Postgraduate Diploma in Management from the Maastricht School of Management in Holland, further advancing his expertise.
Government Service and Civil Administration
Returning to Ghana, he joined the State Enterprises Commission under the President’s Office at Flagstaff House. Following the 1966 military coup, he was appointed Secretary to a high-profile Commission of Enquiry. His civil service career saw him take on crucial administrative roles:
1967: Transferred to the Eastern Regional Administration in Koforidua
Later in 1967: Appointed District Administrative Officer for Keta
June 1967: Officially changed his surname from Kwofie to Agyekum
Entry into Politics
In 1969, as Ghana transitioned to civilian rule, Kwame Poku Agyekum was approached by leaders from his hometown, Jacobu, to contest for the Amansie Central parliamentary seat under the Progress Party (PP), led by Dr. K.A. Busia. Despite facing formidable opposition, he won the primaries and, ultimately, the election, becoming the first MP from Jacobu.
Recognizing his leadership, Prime Minister Busia appointed him Deputy Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources, where he served until the 1972 coup, which led to his detention at Nsawam Prison for nearly two years.
Business and Return to Politics
After his release, Kwame Poku ventured into consulting and construction, building a successful career. However, politics remained his calling.
During the Third Republic (1979–1981), he returned to Parliament as the representative for the new Odotobri Constituency under the Popular Front Party (PFP). He also attended Harvard University for a course on Parliamentary business.
After the 1981 coup, he once again faced political imprisonment at Nsawam. Upon his release, he refocused on his business ventures, expanding into the hospitality industry, with Tabron Hotel in Abeka, Accra, becoming his flagship establishment.
Devotion to Faith
Born into a staunch Catholic family, Kwame Poku remained deeply committed to his faith throughout his life. He was an active member of various parishes, including:
St. Charles Lwanga and St. Joseph’s Parishes, Abeka, Accra
Divine Mercy Parish, East Legon
St. Peter’s Parish, Jacobu
He was also a Knight of St. John International (Commendary #482), a testament to his unwavering faith. Remarkably, on the morning of his passing, he received the Holy Eucharist—a final blessing and a testament to his devout Catholic life.
A Love Story That Lasted a Lifetime
While working as an Assistant Secretary at the Ministry of Industries, Kwame Poku met a young banker of the Ghana Commercial Bank, Mabel Aphram. Their romance blossomed into a beautiful marriage, and she remained his lifelong partner.
Together, they built a loving home and raised six accomplished children:
Maame Dufie: Development Economist
Nana Wadieh: Surgeon
Maame Akua: Doctor of Pharmacy
Nana Poku: Chartered Accountant
Naana Nkansah: Communications Manager
Maame Serwaa: Marketing Consultant
A Legacy of Leadership and Service
Kwame Poku Agyekum’s life was defined by public service, resilience, and leadership. From his days in civil administration to his tenure as a Deputy Minister and two-time Member of Parliament, he remained dedicated to serving his country and his people.
Despite facing political imprisonment twice, he never wavered in his commitment to Ghana’s progress. His contributions to governance, business, and community development left a lasting impact.
Farewell to a Hero
On 27th November 2024, Kwame Poku Agyekum departed this life, leaving behind a rich legacy. He is survived by his beloved wife, children, siblings, and a host of extended family and friends.
His journey—from a royal lineage in Bekwai to the halls of Parliament, the business world, and the church—was one of courage, integrity, and dedication.
Rest in peace, Kwame Poku Agyekum. Your legacy lives on.
Honoring His Legacy Through Giving
Kwame Poku Agyekum dedicated his life to public service, education, and community development. In his memory, we invite you to contribute to initiatives that reflect his values—supporting education, empowering communities, and fostering opportunities for future generations. Your donation will help continue his legacy of impact and service.
