It's hard to believe 8 years have passed already. We miss you so much but continue to be grateful for the life you lived. Continue to rest In eternal peace with Mama.

Dada, we continue to miss you each and every day. Mama has now joined you in heaven...I am sure you are celebrating and laughing up there together. We miss you both terribly. xxx

It's hard to believe it's almost six years. A wonderful man who is truly missed. xx

It's so sad i wasn't in Ghana to celebrate Prof My mentor.. My role model.. He wrote many glowing references for me. He's missed.

May Allah continue to keep you in his bosom. Rest in perfect peace!!

You would have been 91 years old today! Continue to rest in peace!!!

3 years on....rest in peace uncle Alex! Forever missed.....

My beloved Dada, I know you are smiling down on us from heaven. It has been 3 years since you left us so unexpectedly and your absence is still keenly felt. We miss and love you dearly, now and always. RIP x

Two years on......Forever missed!!! Continue to rest in peace uncle Alex!

Your smiles, sense of humour and humility will live on in our minds. Fondly remembered by Rev. Dr. & Dr. Mrs. Ayete-Nyampong & family.

It seems almost unbelievable that two years have passed since you left us so unexpectedly. Not a day goes by that I don't think about you, wondering and imagining what you would say in this situation or that. Miss you terribly Dada, but I know you are resting in perfect peace, watching over us all.

So sorry I just read this sad news. Adumea and family at large, please accept my belated condolences. I will always have fond memories of your dad in Tokyo, and visiting us in Nairobi. May the Lord rest him in eternal peace. Hi Opokua! God bless you all.

The US Open finished last night, and as I watched I thought about how you would have been rooting for Federer, while I supported Djokovic
and we would have had a lively discussion about him and the Williams sisters #almostgrandslam

It is exactly a year ago that we laid you to rest in Accra. It still seems unreal. I have often wondered what you think of the various twists and turns that have happened to your family since you went ahead of us to your maker. I know you are watching over us from up above. Please pray for me that I may be well again. I miss you so much!!! I love you, OPK

One year on.....still missed! Uncle Alex...rest in perfect peace!!!

One year on, we remember your wisdom, your kindness and your unfailing humour and we miss you!

suddenly a storm blew dis day with so much cold.little did we know that a man of valor had fallen. prof. Kwapong u have certainly left great marks for us to follow.lay in the bossom of our lord.R.I.P

Prof., you set for us the standard of the link between Classics and humanity, between Classics and excellence, between Classics and success; this, we will pass onto the next generation, ensuring that they too pass it on, for the sake of their own and society's humanity, excellence, and success. We will forever miss you. DA YIE.

We remember you on this day that you would have been 88 years! A sad reminder that you are no longer here physically but will always remain in our hearts and minds! You are sorely missed!!! Continue to rest peacefully in the Lord!

Toady as you lie in the bosom of the Lord, we remember you with fond memories, Prof. we miss you. Adieu great one

On what would have been your 88th birthday, we think of you with love and miss your smile and your wit. Rest in peace.

You are sorely missed on this special day.

On this day, you are deeply missed by hall mates of the Kwapong Hall. Exactly two years ago we came to your feet to seek wisdom. What you gave us continues to shape our lives today. We Miss You Prof

Sumus te requiro cotidie!!!

Wofa Onyame mfa wo nsie kosi s3 yebehyia mu bio. Amen.

Prof, the last time we met at your house was meant to be the last time I would see you again, but you are sorely missed not only by your dear family but by the country at large. Rest In Peace!!!

Even though I did not have the privilege of meeting Prof Kwapong personally, he made an unforgetable and lastiing impression on me on a particular day during my freshman year at Legon in 1971. The whole student body, an agitated mob of almost 5,000 youth, marched on the vice chancellor's office at Great Hall in a rather loud and violent protest. I do not recall what the issue was, though. However, it seemed things would turn real ugly if he dared show up. But he did. And I was amazed at they way he related to this mob, and how he so casually, but clearly very tactically diffused they whole situation. After a brief statement, which I could barely hear because I was in the rear of the crowd, interspeared with a smile and wave here and there to some in the crowd, the mob dispersed, apparently satisfied with whatever he said. I knew at the moment that he was a very special man. Rest in Peace, Prof.

Never knew you personally until we met at a Ghana Airways ticket office at Lagos, Nigeria in the seventies. Your kind reception left a lasting impression on a starry eyed student. Never would I forget that fatherly relationship forged in a few seconds only. We would not meet after that but the impression still lives with me.
Go on; go on and never look back for your footprints are precious. Damirifa due, Ohene Kwapong. Odehye kann a wone akomfo mu hene na edidi. Da yie!!

Prof you were indeed a great man. You have left a footprint that can never be erased some of your sayings really inspired me "the minimum qualification to be a good leader is not intellectual capacity but the capability to work with people, the modesty to understand ones own limitations and to do ones homework." "In a period of change, the most important thing is to do what you think is right and to face up to difficult and unpopular decisions." Thanks for the influence your life had on me.

Prof, the Catholic University College is grateful to God for your life as you allowed yourself to be used in the establishment of the institution. As the Vice-Chancellor of the College, I am infinitely grateful for your advice when I assumed duty in 2007 and especially for endorsing my "allergy to mediocrity". As a member of our Board of Trustees, your contribution was remarkable. You emboldened the University College to adopt the title Vice-Chancellor for its academic and administration head - an attestation signifying an individual capable of thinking outside the box. Prof, rest in perfect peace!

I was among the audience of starry-eyed Achimota students who attended a lecture delivered by Professor A. A. Kwapong in the late 1950's. His reputation had preceded him. It was the first time I heard someone say: " He gormandised a gargantuan morsel of fufu." The word "gargantuan" stayed with me and has recently been made popular in Ghanaian political lingo. That was my introduction to one of Ghana's foremost academics.
His personality and intellectual ability ensured his progress in the University of Ghana. He was Vice-Chancellor when I joined the lower ranks of the University of Ghana Medical School (UGMS) in 1971. One soon learnt of his seminal role in the establishment and development of UGMS. Although he had been "invited" through a scholarship to study classics in Cambridge University, Professor Kwapong had a special spot for medicine. Indeed he did tell me in conversations that his wish as a student at Achimota was to study medicine.
He was chairman of Ghana's Council of State (2001-2005) when the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons was established in 2003. Although the Council was in recess, Professor Kwapong got the Council to meet to consider a request from the President of Ghana on the membership of the governing council of the College. For his innate love for the medical profession, his contribution to education in Ghana, and his academic distinction, Professor Alex Kwapong was honoured with the Honorary Fellowship of the College in 2007.
He was an engaging conversationalist, erudite and offen jocular, and spoke in the classicist's English, but where effective, in classical Akuapem Twi, which transmitted a sense of pride in his being Ghanaian.
Ghana has lost a patriot who worked hard and honestly for the advancement of higher education in the country. Academia has lost a pioneer who became a legend. The youth have lost a genuine motivator and encourager. His work and legacy will forever be rememberbed.
Prof.,Rest In Peace.
Paul Nyame,
Foundation Rector,
Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons.

What a loss to our Country, Your contribution to advancement in several different capacities has left huge foot prints in our National history.
Sleep tight Uncle Alex. Till we meet again.   Mizna

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF GHANA

TRIBUTE IN MEMORY OF THE LATE PROFESSOR ALEXANDER ADUM KWAPONG

"Now praise we great and famous men,
The fathers named in story;
And praise the Lord, who now as then
Reveals in man His glory.

Praise we the wise and brave and strong,
Who graced their generation,
Who helped the right, and fought the wrong,
And made our folk a nation.

Praise we the peaceful men of skill,
Who builded homes of beauty,
And, rich in art, made richer still
The brotherhood of duty." 

(William George Tarrant - 1853-1928)

Today we are celebrating the life of one of the great sons of Africa, who was proudly Ghanaian and a Presbyterian.

The Professor Alexander Kwapong lived and died a Christian, and it is difficult to know where to start to share about the life and influence of such a man. For the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, we believe it has to begin and end with gratitude and thanksgiving for one of the finest and unassuming Christian lives any of us are ever likely to know. We can say, as St. Paul said to the Philippians, “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you.”

Professor Kwapong served the Lord as a Presbyterian in the Accra Ridge Church, having been closely associated with the Presbyterian Church through Baptism and Confirmation, and as an adult church member who was serious with his Christian life.

It would be unfair not to honor a man who has given his whole life to the service of his nation Ghana and the work of God, for his selfless devotion and Christian commitment. For many who knew him, he was an example of a practical and down to earth believer. A friend, with whom one could talk and receive a clear, discerned advice. He has been many things to many people: Professor, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, fellow church member and friend. Across these roles, he exemplified the very essence of what a man of faith should be.

Professor Alexander Kwapong lived with his whole house the very thing which the Holy Scriptures teach us and which he also exemplified. His wife and children are as close to our hearts, as he was.

Professor, the Presbyterian Church will miss you, but we are hopeful that very soon when Christ returns we shall all be re-united in Heaven our Home.

May the soul of our beloved Professor rest in peace, and may the souls of all the faithful departed rest in perfect peace till we meet again.

Amen.

C est avec beaucoup de peine que j ai appris le deces de Professeur Kwapong .Sa disparition est pour toute la communaute universitaire mondiale une grande perte. C etait un homme genereux, brillant et atypique.Sa Joie de vivre , son humour et sa soif de savoir en faisait un homme tres attachant.Je partage la peine de sa famille , de ses proches et leur adresse mes condoleances attristees. Cheikh

May you rest in Peace with the knowledge that your family will keep you memory alive forever. How impressive to see the devotion of your children to both their parents.

Mama Amexleti Dunenyo II

As one of your proud pupils, I am pleased to say that you have had a most beneficial influence on my life. I thank you sincerely for the great example and inspiration that you have been to me. All the members of the 1951 Year Group, especially those who were lucky to be taught by you in Form 2A, will remember with affection all you did for us. And so will the members to of the Inter Class of 1954. You have left a unique legacy and an indellible imprint on our lives. We are grateful to you for your willingness to share your good humour and wit with all of us - students and colleagues alike. Sleep well, beloved Teacher! You have done well by Achimota and Legon. All who came in touch with you are better for knowing you!

Tribute to Prof. A. Kwapong

I came to know the late Professor Kwapong late in his years. A particular reminiscence was the occasion of the celebration of his 80th birthday. Folks were gathered, the occasion superbly victualled and the banter fascinating. After much merry making Prof arose to give a speech which we all assumed would a paean of thanks for a life well lived.

Not a bit of it.

On rising from his chair he glanced momentarily at his wife, paused and then proceeded to paint a vignette of which he was the butt of the tale. This accomplished and erudite man was telling a story about how he was told off by his daughter thirty years earlier with glee and thankfulness. This lesson in humility, openness and the grace to accept criticism even from one’s own child was served up with humour. An invaluable lesson to the succeeding generation.

To paraphrase a Yoruba saying; ‘A large tree has fallen in the forest and its reverberations are many'.

Forever the classicist, the vignette was garnished with a Latin quote.
‘LECTOR, SI MONUMENTUM REQUIRIS CIRCUMSPICE’. 

I then meekly requested for a translation for those of us untutored in Latin. (READER, IF YOU SEEK HIS MONUMENT LOOK AROUND YOU)

These are the words on the tomb of Sir Christopher Wren, the architect of St. Paul’s Church, London, who is buried in the crypt of St. Paul's.

For Prof Kwapong his monument is evidenced in his family, his daughters, the students he taught and the institutions he led.


May his soul rest in peace.
Olumuyiwa Ogunyemi

I knew we had a giant in the family(of course we had so many) but this one is a special giant of International status. A brilliant and a very nice individual too.
Prof. I never saw you when I was growing up in the 1940s and 50s but knew you by name and the many photographs.
The first time we interacted on a one to one basis was about ten years
ago. We were on a British Airways flight London-Accra .Greetings were exchanged and found ourselves in a very lengthy conversation. I Knew who you were but you did not know me for obvious reasons. You knew thousands if not millions!
To conclude my story- when we disembarked you were waiting on the tarmac. You called me to one side to enquire who I was because although we communicated on the Plane there was no introduction.
At this point I burst out laughing and called my name out. Prof. you also laughed, your head in your hands. I received your telephone number
and spoke on a few occasions when we had the opportunity
One cannot help but to enjoy your communication and advice. Such a joy to listen to. Cousin Nana Yaw and I called on you a few months ago when you were in London. We promised to visit when on holidays in Accra. Sorry Prof. you had to depart before we came.
The Almighty knows best. You made us family and all Ghana proud.
May the Good Lord keep you safely in his bosom.
REST IN PERFECT PEACE
Tribute from all Odei-Kwatia and Adu Kwatia and other Kwatia family of Obosomase Akwapim.

Ghana has indeed lost a great educator and administrator. I met prof.my first year at Legon 1972. I met him again in Ghana 2010 at Country Kitchen and had a great lunch and discussion on the plight of Ghana's constant changes in education. Prof. I will miss your friendship and mentoring. Rest in Peace my friend.

Prof. Kwapong, as an alumna of the university, I want to thank you for all that you did to make it such a great institution of higher learning.

Your flair for languages was outstanding, whether it was at matriculation or convocation; whether it was at an inaugural or a public lecture like Aggrey-Fraser-Guggisberg; whether it was at a durbar of chiefs and local people or with a group of students, your use of words was captivating. It had wit, humour and scholarly excellence. Thank you for teaching us the importance of not just learning a language but learning it well.

A few people know about the Ghana-Guelph project but fewer still know about the negotiation prowess that you demonstrated in making the project come to fruition. When it ended in 1979 after 9 years, it was considered one of the most successful international cooperation programmes. Not only did it pave the way of over a hundred Ghanaian as well as Canadian academics like me to participate in research and/or complete advance degrees, but also created lifelong academic and social relationships across continents. Thank you for fighting to make Legon a global learning environment.

I was looking forward to seeing you again to tell you all the good things that were said about you by a former President of the University of Guelph, Dr. Winegard, at a recent book launch in Guelph. But, alas, the Good Lord knows best, and has called you from your labours.
May He give you perpetual peace.

From the time that we first met Prof. Kwapong, we knew him as the father of our dear friend and mate Korantema but also the then Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana. Over the years, he served as the unofficial Dad of our OAA 1973 Year Group. When OAA 1973 celebrated its 30th Anniversary in 2003, Prof. Kwapong honoured us with his presence and entertained us with a great speech that was witty, as usual, and full of wisdom! He not only toasted the Year Group but also helped us to honour selected past teachers. With his passing, Achimota School, the OAA, and OAA 1973 members have not only lost a father and uncle, but also an exemplary leader and friend. Our sincere sympathy goes to Mrs. Kwapong, and his beautiful and intelligent daughters -- Korantema, Oseiwa, Opokua, Faake, Edumea, and Kweiki! May Prof. Kwapong's dearest soul rest in eternal peace!

Posted on behalf of the members of OAA 1973.

Tribute to Dr. (Prof) Alex Kwapong
John R Schram MA, LLD University of Ghana
Senior Fellow, Legon Hall
Canadian High Commissioner to Ghana 1994-1998
“Prof” was truly one of Ghana’s “Greats”: He has been in the pantheon of respected elders since his earliest days as an educator, classicist, disciplinarian, and revered vice chancellor. My earliest recollections of Dr Alex Kwapong were of him in that latter role: tall, imposing, as elegant as eloquent, filling the commanding heights of the Great Hall, grappling with the fractious students of 1966, challenged to respond to a particularly frivolous demand, then bringing all discussion to a halt with one word: “rubbish!”. Most astonishingly, everyone agreed with him; the hall fell silent, we students went back to their own halls - even the Vandals returned to Commonwealth Hall - tails between our legs. We were full of the wonder, respect and even affection that few in Ghana in those days could have won,
For all of us of a certain age, Prof was a hero for his years as Vice Chancellor, as the person who led the University from its infancy into a maturity that would be envied across Africa and admired around the world. But he went on to still greater accomplishments for himself and for so many international educational institutions. By the time I returned to head the Canadian High Commission in Ghana, he was a legend – and one with many more chapters still to be written.
Imagine the honour for me to find in 1994 that the vice chancellor from my 1966 university days, the man who then struck me with such awe, now talked with me as a friend and adviser. Imagine too how impressed I was to discover that the icon I had invested with such esteem because his knowledge of the history of man, of our strength and foibles from Greece to the present, had now become an innovative, internationally venerated master of the newest in global education, technology and governance. I was impressed, too, that he and his discerning wife Evelyn shared Alena’s and my faith – in fact, marked out our pew as we returned each Sunday to share the fan on the breeziest side of Accra Ridge Church.
I was even more flattered that Prof and Evelyn would invite this small boy from Legon Hall and his wife to dinner at their gracious home. These were precious ties with family, with Evelyn and daughters “one, two, three and four”, as Prof liked to introduce them so proudly. They were to Alena and me a great source of advice and encouragement through our four years in Accra.
Though these many years, Prof has been the outstanding symbol of all that has won. Ghana and Ghanaians such global admiration. If a Canadian half way round the world has this stellar image of Alex Kwapong, how much more so must he be honored by those fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to benefit from his contribution at Cambridge, in Canada, in Tokyo and thus around the world. So Prof is indeed a great Ghanaian - a classics scholar who himself became himself a classic man; an educator who turned knowledge into wisdom; a rare leader of goodwill who became a statesman of beneficent influence; a man and a friend who has inspired thousands to emulate those many qualities that leave us all so grateful for the blessings of his life.

RIP Prof. A great light of University of Ghana. Remember him from my Legon primary days. Condolences to Korantema, Oseiwa, Opokua, Adumea and the rest of the family.

We never met, but Ghana misses you, I know.

My Uncle Alex- An exemplary and righteous man…..
             By Dr Sylvia J Anie-Akwetey

           I write this with heavy heart……..
          We never saw each other often
      But I have always held you in high esteem…
         Every word of advice you gave me…….
    Still holds and has led me to profound achievements
   You wrote my first reference when I relocated to Ghana
           And yes of-course, I got the job
 I will forever be thankful to you for opening my eyes a bit wider
          For making me smile a bit deeper
         For reducing the impossible to possible
     and for channeling my energy into tangible results
       Together with my late father, Mr Samuel J Anie,
                You made me fly……..

           Uncle Alex, rest in perfect peace.

Uncle Alex,

From you, I understood the essence of being a widely read individual, the need for humility, forthrightness and a sense of propriety in my dealings in others. You are sorely missed.

Que Dieu te garde

Prof. Alex Kwapong -- you were truly unique and one of a kind! We are all very lucky to have known you and benefited from your exemplary leadership, wit, kindness, intellect, and great moral character. You served Ghana and the higher education community really well, and set high standards that we all try to emulate. Our sincere sympathy goes to your beloved wife, and beautiful and intelligent daughters! May your dearest and beloved soul rest in eternal peace!

You actually motivated me when you came to our House, Kwapong House Achimota school during its inauguration. I always feel your spirit with me. Grandpa, may your soul rest in perfect peace.

Sorely missed. Rest in Perfect Peace.

A great man he was – simply irreplaceable. An intellectual behemoth who greatly inspired me specially with his masterful command of the Queens language. Rest in perfect peace Prof. From R.P. Ankobiah - Secretary to the Council of State.