I called you Daddy and you called me Mebabea. You fascinated me with your humility. You taught me that whatever we are today is just by grace and not by our own might. I remember your days in UNU - Tokyo and the Rotary Club in Ghana. I was ever so happy to do your letters, reports and keep your correspondence for you till you passed by or send them to you in Tokyo.

When you came home from Tokyo, you came personally to say a BIG thank you for the services I had provided - but let me tell you wherever you are that I learned so much from you.

I had promised several times to come home but never did. I called your number two weeks before your departure and spoke to Korantemaa and promised to pass by one day. Little did I know that was not to be, Yours was a life well lived.

To Maa, Korantemaa and the rest, I share your pain. I know you will miss him much - because I am.

May mother earth lie gently on your noble and wonderful soul.

Our houses were almost identical and next to each other on the campus of the University of Ghana. Our families were also similar – in both there were only daughters whose mothers shared the same name, Auntie Evelyn. Growing up together we, the girls, walked to and from school and in our free time roamed all over the campus.

Do you remember those years, Prof. Kwapong? Our little world of adventure was mostly hidden to you and the other grown-ups. You, our fathers, were busy establishing a proud nation’s first university. All we children knew was that our world was safe, and it was only after we grew up that I recognized you, my late father, and the other departed elders, as the pillars that made our existence secure.

Even after life separated our families, scattering us first around the country and then around the globe, long after the girls became women, that sense of security remained and on those rare occasions when we met again, to see you and Auntie Evelyn was to come home.

Auntie Evelyn, Nana Korantema, Oseiwa, Opokua, Adumea, Faaki, and Kueki, our hearts go out to you. Accept our deepest sympathies.

Prof. Kwapong, you were a part of my family’s life for so long that it is hard to imagine it without you. My mother (the other Auntie Evelyn), my sisters, and I wish you peaceful and eternal rest.

Boatema Boateng

Prof. kwapong never looked down on people. each time am sent to his residence he received me as if I was his class mate. he will ask that I come to his hall. at one time I sent him a birthday card on his birthday and he wrote me a nice letter with his own hand writing thanking me.
    I feel so proud of him. Age was catching up with him but he never got tired with the United Nations University. quiet recently my old man visited the UNU office in Accra climbed to the second floor just to say hello to the staff to the amazement of all. I lost my wife recently and Prof. sent me a message of comfort. Prof. Kwapong was on retirement but was never tired. I will really miss him. condolence to his family God lead you home Prof..

I heard news of your eternal transition with a saddened heart. My mentor always said you were a "strict man" in your days as member of the Council of State. I understood his words mean defending what is "right and just". When I eventually became Alexander Adum Kwapong Hall President, I had high hopes of meeting you until your sudden departure.

You legacy is forever green in our hearts and I pray that Allah accepts your gentle soul until we meet again in Paradise where death can do no dishonor

Damirefa Due!

You were indeed a giant without equal. A true intellectual giant. May your soul rest in perfect peace. My sincerest condolences to the family.

I heard a lot about you as a kid growing up in Akropong. Though I never got to meet you personally it has been my dream to meet you and sit at your feet to learn of your wisdom, knowledge, and experience. Once I made a transit at Kotoka from Ethiopia on my way to Liberia and the Gambia and made a phone call to one of my childhood Akropong friends that I was at the airport but unfortunately would not be able to go home because I was only at the airport for a short while so he should meet me somewhere nearby. His immedaite response was that hey! now you travel so much and has grown to be like Prof. Kwapong who comes on a flight to Kotoka and instructs the crew to wait for him to have a short meeting with his family at home before the journey continues.This explains that you were a mystery to the people of Akropong and undoubtedly the world at large.I was indeed so proud to have been likened unto you.

You fought a good fight and deserve the best where ever you are. Sleep well, sleep forever peacefully Prof.

Hello.Prof. May your Soul rest in Peace with the Lord

Kwapong Kyerefo, Adum Tokori nana,the ultimate scholar, rest in perfect peace.The finest and extraordinary LIGHT to have emerged from our FAMILY,please pass on our sincerest greetings to our ancestors who will be proud to receive you into their fold. DA YIYE.
From Nana Yaw and Adwoa Odi mma.

It grieved me to learn of the death of Professor Alexander Kwapong. Professor Kwapong was a great intellectual, educator and leader. He made important contributions to Ghana’s learning, before offering his erudition and talent to the international community, as Vice-Rector of the United Nations University for over a decade. He combined patriotism and internationalism to a rare degree.

But Professor Kwapong’s greatest qualities were human, and I always greatly enjoyed our interactions over the years. Ghana has lost one of its most distinguished sons, and I have lost a friend. My heart goes out to his family, and I hope that his example will spur young Ghanaians to seek academic and human excellence at home and abroad.

Kofi Annan

Magister Kwapong nobis erat amicus et pater
You have done your best for all
Obarima bεyεε bi
Akora, damirifa due!
Due ne amanehunu!
Requiescat in pace!
Αναπαύσου εν ειρήνη!

We in the Department of Philosophy and Classics, University of Ghana, glory in your eternal honor and dignity. We will forever remember you. RIP

Dear Evelyn,
Doris and I were so sorry to hear the sad news about Alex’s passing and wish to offer you and your family our sincerest sympathy on your heartfelt loss.
I had the pleasure and privilege of working with Alex for many years at the UNU in Tokyo. He contributed greatly to its development. I will not forget the many missions we undertook to Finland, Venezuela, China, his home country Ghana and elsewhere in an effort to extend the reach of the UNU’s research and training centres and programmes.
His inimitable laughter and sense of humour will be long remembered. He was a gracious colleague and a dear friend.
With our love in this time of grief,

Uncle Alex may your soul rest in perfect peace. I remember the last thing you said when I came to the hospital, “Akyea na emmui”. Only to hear the sad news shortly after, that you had left us to the place beyond, where all the living will eventually go.

You were larger than life in this world, but you had time for all, even the smallest. You were a man of many sides and we all found a piece of you we could identify with. Your influence caused some of us not to be unduly intimidated by others in authority at an early age. 

From The Foley, through Legon Hill to the Vice Chancellor’s Lodge was a smooth and remarkable transition … you still remained Uncle Alex. Even when you were far away at the UNU, Dalhousie, the Commonwealth of Learning and a host of others, we always felt you were still near enough. 

You insisted on certain things with vehemence …. the need for us to speak proper Twi – not to say “won aba” but “w’aba”, or “yen adidi” but “y’adidi” etc., and good English. I continue to wonder how you would have reacted in these current times if you were still teaching. These days, words have no meaning and anything goes and the listener is left to search for the meaning of words in sentences without meaning ….and it cuts across. I will always recall the precisely meaningful and tersely cogent remarks you always made to describe things, issues, or events.
 
Breaking the news to “Sisi” – my mother – was the most unpleasant duty I have ever been called upon to do. No more “Daaben na wo beko wo mama ho?”, “wo mama ho te den?” or “mo ko a, me kyia sisi”. The sun went down and the candle stopped burning. 
May the Good Lord keep you and offer you a safe resting place.

Prof, your immense contribution to make some of us what we are today will never be forgotten and will forever be appreciated. We still cherish your memorable verbal and written interactions with us when we were students in Achimota, Legon and Cambridge, and throughout our careers as lecturers. Ghana, Africa and the world have indeed lost a great scholar and educator.

Damirifa due. May your soul rest in perfect peace.

Ivan Addae-Mensah
(Former Vice Chancellor, Legon)

Akora, I learnt many things from you. I appreciate all the time you gave me and your wise counsel. I know a lot more about the University of Ghana today largely as a result of stories we shared on many happy occasions. You took keen interest in my personal development and drew Ellen and me into your family many years ago. The Koforidua orange juice sessions in your cosy living room will never be forgotten. The University of Ghana will never be the same again with you gone. You played a major role in the early development of the University and I speak on behalf of the entire Legon community to say "Thank You". I promise that we will soon publish your great autobiography. May your soul rest in perfect peace!

I was privileged to attend the Opoku Akyeampong Memorial Lecture organised by my alma mata Okuapemman School on 8th February ,2007 as an SS 1 student . Little did I know I was going to work closely with you in one way or the other. I feel so proud as a former JCR president of a hall named after you. I appreciate the warm reception you and your family gave us on that day when we paid you that historic visit. You gave us pieces of advice which is still shaping our lives as future leaders. We cannot mourn but to celebrate your achievements Prof. On behalf of the JCR executives of 2012/2013 Academic Year, we want to express our profound condolence to the family , our fellow students and current executives, and all affiliates of the Alexander Adum Kwapong Hall. We will forever miss you. Rest in Perfect Peace Professor Alexander Adum Kwapong

It's nothing new yet irrespective of notice period comes with pain and shock. Denial sets in and a struggle to come to terms with it. But there's consolation. Prof, you loved the Lord and ticked all the boxes, a life well lived. Prof you deserve a rest which you now have an eternal one. The world, nation, family and friends have lost a great one. You will be sorely missed. Sleep on and sleep well.

Becoming the first Ghanaian Vice Chancellor of the Premier University, you re-echoed Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah's statement that the black man is capable of running its own affairs by the way you steered the University during those turbulent times. You are a contributory factor to the achievements the university has and continue to chalk. You will forever be a beacon of hope and inspiration for generations to come. Your story and success will be told the world over and you will forever remain in our hearts. My deepest condolence goes to both the immediate and the extended families and the university community as a whole. We have indeed lost a great Icon. May the good Lord keep you in his bosom until we meet again. RIP

Tifam tifam a obi anhunu wo anamon.
Damirifua Due!

Wo to na wotuo to a, Yebo w'abaso.
Me bo w'abaso amu.

Edom ani sa nea oso ntakra kye, Damirifua Due.
Damirifua Due, Anyaado!"

As a young girl who attended University Primary school, I remember the Vice Chancellor during our price-giving days. He always had encouraging words for those who won prices and still encouraged those who did not. You made us all proud. Rest in Perfect Peace. Patricia.

With your work in tertiary education, you have uplifted millions around the world who are contributing their quota to humankind; with your contribution to the council of state, you did your best to influence this country's politics; with your kindness, gentleness and tenderness, you have encouraged many to be their best. May your soul rest in peace, and may your dear family remain blessed.

As far back as my siblings and I can reminisce, there has always been an Uncle Alex among our childhood role models. Why? Because my dad not only belonged to the “indomitable” 1945 Akora year group as was Uncle Alex, but they shared a life-long friendship. As children, the sight of a gleaming Opel Admiral sedan in the driveway was a sure sign that Uncle Alex and his “clan” were visiting. His loud and hearty laugh was infectious and his signature piano tunes always announced his arrival. For us too, a visit to the V-C’s residence at Legon was always a treat worthy waiting for. Even as we advanced through school into our career years, Uncle Alex took a keen interest in our progress. Sometimes, he called me "Krushchev"(1960s Soviet Leader) or "...aant it..." following events that he recalls from when I was a tot! Anytime that he visited the Trust Bank Main Branch on business, he always made it a point to look me up and I had the privilege of always seeing him off to the car-park, moreso because he was then the Chairman of the Council of State!! Uncle Alex was indeed special to us all and we will all miss his intellect, presence and wise counsel. Uncle Alex, you have fought and won the race… Nantiw Yiye...Rest in perfect peace in the Lord. Amen

Forever in our hearts.

Yours was a life well-lived. Even though I have not met you, I read and heard a lot about your exploits. Most importantly, you stood out to be counted at the time a Ghanaian was needed to head our infant University of Ghana. Rest in perfect peace.

He was an astute paragon of knowledge who left his golden imprints in the sands of time!

The international academic fraternity is all the more poorer by his passing.
Fare thee well Prof.

A life well lived, You were a trail blazer, you made us all proud. sleep well, rest peacefully in the bosom of the Lord. You will never be forgotten.

In the words of Gen. Robert E. Lee (1807-1870) . "Duty is the sublimest word ... Do your duty in all things... You cannot do more - you should never wish to do less."

Prof Alex Kwapong represented for me DUTY as exemplified by his commitment to excellence, his dignity and decorum. May his life serve as an example for all of us.

Now the labourer’s task is o’er;
Now the battle day is past;
Now upon the farther shore
Lands the voyager at last.

Father, in Thy gracious keeping
Leave we now Thy servant sleeping.

I had a call on Sunday, 10th August, 2014 around 10.52 a.m. to be precise. I was then at Church and my phone was on ‘silent’ so I did not hear it ring.

After church, I saw the missed call and wondered why Korantema had called at that time, and asked myself whether she did not go to church. I decided to return her call when I got home. But I dashed out again as soon as I got home to attend to other family issues and other activities.

Finally, at about 8.00 p.m. that day, I decided to call and speak to Korantema. To my mind, she was going to tell me Dad was back home because when I saw the missed call that was what came to mind. But alas it was not to be!! I had been told that Prof. had asked of me whilst at the hospital and I knew what he wanted me to do; to come to his residence and go through his memoirs. A day before he was hospitalized, he sat by me whilst I went through the typescript painstakingly, checking for typographical errors, etc. He remarked then that I was breaking his heart and I knew why he said that. I had not been able to go to his residence as often as he had wished. I had been preoccupied with work at the University. Little did I know that, that was the last time I would have been with him!

To me, it was a privilege to have been associated with such a distinguished and erudite scholar. He was a humble man who freely mingled with both young and old, rich or poor. I will miss his sense of humour, laughter, compassion and above all, his intellectual capabilities. Obenfo Alexander Adum Kwapong, you will forever live in my heart. 

May the journeying God, who remains the link between life and death, guide you, His faithful servant, across into life eternal.  As you break the link with the living, may the death and resurrection of Christ and our faith that He will come again to judge the living and the dead, teach us that death is not the end.

Okunpa, Egyapa, Onuapa, Adanfopa – Nantew yiye.


Akweley Graves

Cousin Alex who knew me as his junior cousin from my childhood, never spoke in English with me. He knew my mother was taught to speak Twi by our common great grand-father and always spoke Akuapem Twi with me, although he saw how I struggled to hold a meaningful conversation with him in Twi. Cousin Alex inspired me so much and always reminded me that a tree standing on a higher ground would be taller than other trees. We praise God for such a life like his. Cousin Alex, wo dzogbann ye oNuntso le mli. Amen !!!

Dada, I can't believe I typed your name as Adumea!....with your high standards for excellence, I know you would have pointed it out, and I would have made some smart comment, to which you would have said " wo saa OPK yi, woy3 woho fiagyiri papa", and we would have laughed. I would give anything to hear you call me a fiagyiri one last time!!! I miss you!!! Rest in peace!

Uncle Alex, I remember how you used to call out me "Nana Asabea" whenever you saw me, and your laugh and that would always be followed by some "dosh". You left an amazing legacy. May your soul rest in perfect peace. Condolences to the entire family

Professor Alex Kwapong was an inspiration. He aimed at excellence and he achieved it. I profited much from his Latin lessons in Achimota - tollo, tollere, sustuli, sublatum - and also from his encouragement when he was Vice-Chancellor of University of Ghana. May he rest in peace, and may God Almighty bless his beloved ones left behind.

Uncle Alex, your passing brings a lot of memories. Who will share the interesting family "tooli" with us now about when you all were growing up at Tafo and Akropong. Thank you for all the loving support you gave us when Mum passed. Give them all our love when you get there. Rest in Perfect Peace.

Cousin Kwabena Sei, you inspired me. You made it a point to correct me whenever I called you 'uncle'. We were all very proud of you. Rest in perfect peace

Kwapong Kyerefo,
Damirifua Due.
Okyerefokwa Bediako Birempong
Abisa nsu a ama nsa,
Damirifua due.
Obiri komfo a woboo asoman mu pow,
Damirifua Due.
Okese aduamoa a wodii demire ne ayee atidi agoru,
Damirifua Due.
Asunkuru Nana a wode barihyia kum owo,
Damirifua Due.
Obibini Komfo a wokyeree Englesi Broni brofo,
Damirifua Due.
Akomfomu mu Komfo,
Aduruyefo mu Oduruyefo,
Tifam tifam a obi anhu wo namon,
Damirifua Due! Damirifua Due!! Damirifua Due!!!

Uncle Alex...great patrician. Great life lived. Father of a wonderful family and to us all. Tremendous example of leadership. Gifted. Smile on us all with your great sense of humour and gentleness. Be forever blessed. With love and admiration, F.

Odupon Kees atutu, yefi gya adum. Uncle Kwapong, you always stood out of all people by your high standards for excellence and also you lived a life of integrity. May God in his wisdom and infinite love keep you till we meet again. Damirifa due!

“The best advice I ever received was.... from my grandmother and my parents; to be honest, work hard and do one's best. Also to realise that if you are doing your best, you will not be very popular with everybody!” Prof. Alexander A. Kwapong

Rest in peace my handsome, dapper, funny and incredibly smart Uncle. You will always be missed.

The Great Oak Tree has fallen. May he rest in peace.

Prof, a life well lived. RIP.

What a loss! May your soul rest in peace.

May he rest in peace, a life well lived and the epitome of excellence. My condolences to the Kwapong family.

Odupon k3se atutu. Ghana has lost a great man, my parents have lost a dear friend. Uncle rest in peace and God bless your soul. Damirifa due.
My heartfelt condolences to the entire family..

Brilliant and distinguished Uncle Alex great grandson of a most distinguished great grandfather, remembered too as the distinguished husband of Auntie Evelyn, brother to Auntie Gladys and Sis Suzy, father, Uncle and cousin to many and for his many years of devoted service to education in Ghana, the Commonwealth and the world ... "Our sorrow is part of the cost of love". Many precious memories of you will remain for our comfort.

Where to begin...It has been so many years, yet the memory of the effort you put into being present, into learning and growing, has stayed with me and spurred me on over the years. You spoke a universal language that transcended generations, gender and the vast intellectual gulf that separates the great and good from the rest of us. You brought joy into empty lives, hope into the dead-end tunnel of cultural stagnation, and pride in the sheer potential of being African. What an example you have been. May the Great Universe of our Ancestors embrace you as you return to the infinite and complete knowingness from which you came. Thank you. Rest in Peace.

One afternoon in January 2009, guests at one of the OAA tea parties for senior Akoras included Akora Prof Alex Kwapong and some of his peers namely Akora Prof Ben Edoo, Akora Dr. Yaw Asirifi, and Akora Dr. Letitia Obeng. It was an afternoon to remember. Akora Kwapong was at his wittiest best. When asked to pray, he did so in Latin for several minutes leaving us dazed at the end of it. We were amused but dared not show it in case we were ticked off. Akora Kwapong was very chatty and held us spellbound with stories about his life in Achimota College. He did not make it easy for his peers to put in a word. Jokes were abundant as they teased each other, went down memory lane and relived their lives in Achimota College. We simply sat back and enjoyed their company. I will never forget that afternoon. Akora Prof Kwapong, rest in perfect peace!

Prof Alex Kwapong was the Vice Chancellor of our days at Legon. We
were proud of him as the first Ghanaian to head the University. Yes,
he was the first of the first, indeed, the first of the first class
graduates at Oxford. We held him in high esteem and he respected us,
especially the Commonwealth Hall Vandals.

In one episode, there was some problem at Legon Hall, and the VC had
to step in. Emissaries were sent from the students of Legon Hall to
Vandal City for help. The Vandals of Vandal City massed up in front of
their gate, ready to march down to Legon Hall in solidarity with our
colony and to defend their rights.

Just before the charge command was given, word filtered through that
Prof Kwapong had gone down to Legon to sort things out. His parting
words thereafter were, "I have dealt with them. If you like, go and
call your Vandals, and I will deal with them too".

Our commanders put their heads together and resolved that if the VC
had recognised and acknowledged the might and suzerainty of Vandals
City, then we will not flaunt it. We withdrew our "forces" to the JCR
to celebrate with free flow bottles of Akuff Beer.

Prof, we still honour, respect and celebrate you. May the soil lie
lightly on you.

John Mbroh
Immediate Past President
Old Vandals Association

Grandpa,you were such an amazing character. You brought much pride and honor to this family.You will be sorely missed, R.I.P Prof Alex Kwapong. From Nikoi Addison

A quintessential Renaissance Man of unquestionable erudition. I faintly remember the man as a child attending a dramatic performance with my father, a technical director of the erstwhile University of Ghana's School of Music and Drama.

But the man impacted my destiny more than he probably knew, assuming that he even knew about me, that is. In 1971, my father was the first diplomate (or non-degree) graduate of the present-day Legon School for the Performing Arts to be granted a scholarship to do advanced studies at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Until then, almost every single one of the study-abroad scholarships went to baccalaureate and master's degree holders. My father had this memorable story to tell about the man, which time does not presently permit me to fully recall. I shall write about it in a fuller tribute very shortly.

Maybe Prof. Kwapong was a stickler for the Greco-Roman tradition of privileging speech over the written word, for most of the people I have met and interacted with who knew the man wistfully hoped that he had written and published more by way of leaving a permanent legacy. I have always been unreservedly proud of the man and the acclamation of his scholarship by all who knew and interacted with him. I suppose he also attended Akropong Salem, where I was the Senior Prefect during the 1975-76 academic year. For I have always felt great kinship with the man. Well, my father was from Kyebi and Prof. Kwapong from Akropong. I think you get the drift of what I am getting at.

Once I gave a copy of my volume of poetry to be given to Prof. Kwapong's immediate younger brother, Mr. Eugene Kwapong, whom I have always equally respected. Prof. Alexander Adum Kwapong will be greatly missed. He was such a fine spirit. His breed of scholar is no longer produced in our part of the world anymore these days. RIP, smart old man!

In peace their sacred ashes rest, Fulfilled their day’s endeavor;
They blessed the earth, and they are blessed Of God and man forever.

Prof. May the good LORD give you a peaceful rest.. Dayie..