OPANIN THOMAS NKANSAH SEFAH
Early Life
The late Opanin Kwadwo Nkansah also known as Doctor/Blackman was born at Kwahu Mpraeso on 25th August 1932 as the second child of Opanin Kwame Effah and Obaa Panin Adwoa Twumasiwaa of the Aduana clan of Kwahu Mpraeso, both of blessed memory.
He lost his mother when he was only 13 years old and had to be raised by his father. Before the death of the mother, his father had introduced him into the buying and selling of cocoa since he was 8 years.
At the age of 16, Kwadwo had accumulated enough funds to start his personal business in the merchandise of cocoa.
Education
In 1950, the then DCE of Kwahu (Mr. Bratons) who was a British, advised his Father to enroll him in School due to his brilliance. His father heeded to the advice of the DCE and enrolled him at Mpraeso Presby School at the age of 18.
Due to his age, brilliance and excellence, he was jumped to class three the following year. The late Kwadwo Nkansah was liked by all including his Teachers and even the Headmaster. Kwadwo Nkansah was the favorite among his peers.
He obtained his Middle School Leaving Certificate in 1959 having completed and passed his “Hall” Exams.
Career Life
Kwadwo continued with his Cocoa merchandise briefly after school. He joined his elder brother, the late Samuel Akoto Sefah in Accra for greener pastures in 1961. A few months after his arrival in Accra, he gained employment at UAC Ghana Limited as a Salesman where he worked briefly.
Due to his experience and expertise in Sales, his late uncle, Mr. Ebenezer Sampong Bediako popularly called (Mr. Bediako or ESB) employed him as a Sales Representative at Bediako Brothers Pharmacy in 1962. He picked the nickname “Doctor” here due to his exceptional qualities in the discharge of his duties. Owing to a misunderstanding with his uncle, Kwadwo left Bediako Brothers Pharmacy to join Ghana Atomic Energy Commission as a Driver in 1974.
By dint of hard work, he rose through the ranks to the position of Chief Driver where he supervised and trained various drivers for 14 years. He resigned in 1988 and settled at Haatso in Accra to pursue his private business. In 1989, Kwadwo acquired a fleet of vehicles and ventured into Transport business under the trading name K & K Enterprise.
It was through the transport business that he was nicknamed “Blackman” because he inscribed “BLACKMAN” on all his vehicles. Opanin Kwadwo Nkansah was instrumental in the establishment of Madina-Circle-Accra branch of GPRTU. He was therefore made an advisor to the Union during the period of his active business in the Transport Sector.
Kwadwo also entered into a Partnership Company with his close friend, Sergeant Kwadwo Nyarko of blessed memory under the name (K & K Construction Limited) at Haatso in Accra. They were the main suppliers of Sandcrete blocks, Sand and Stones to most of the construction sites and homes in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s in the Haatso, Agboogba, Ashongman, Abokobi and its environs.
Aside Kwadwo Nkansah’s Transport and Construction businesses, he also ventured into Large Scale Pineapple farming for Export to the Netherlands with his elder brother, the late Sergeant Akoto Sefah and a Dutch friend Mr. Tom Manners under the trading name WANNA Pineapples in East Legon.
In 1998, Kwadwo Nkansah decided to settle home where he continued with his trading activities at Nkawkaw until 2007 (at age 75) when he retired completely from active business until his demise on November 14, 2024.
Personal/Social & Christian Life
Opanin Kwadwo Nkansah did not just work as a Driver/Businessman, but also took keen interest in the welfare of others in the society in which he lived.
He was passionate at the well-being of his neighbours, he was a great adviser and a peacemaker to many families. Kwadwo Nkansah was a mentor, a problem solver, a teacher, an inspirer, a caretaker and a father to all.
He never relented in worshipping his maker when he was called to the Christian Family. He joined the Presbyterian Church of Ghana where he was baptized and continued to worship until he was called to glory by His maker. He was an active member of the Men’s fellowship until he became weak.
The Last Call
Opanin Kwadwo Nkansah fell sick briefly due to old age. The Almighty God whose ways are not our ways, beckoned His son to join Him peacefully on the evening of Thursday 14th November 2024 at the Atibie Government Hospital.
