Tribute to Albert Adomakoh Esq. He was dependable and responsible
I received the sad news of the passing of Papa Albert with shock and disbelief.
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Throughout his life, Albert Adomakoh demonstrated the qualities of dependability, faithfulness, responsibility, accountability, reliability and above all, the determination not to disappoint.
At the age of 26, the Asanteman Council showed great confidence in him by making him one of the few citizens of Asante to be awarded a scholarship to pursue higher studies in the United Kingdom to enable him to return and serve Asante and the Gold Coast, now Ghana.
The Administrators of the Asanteman Council obviously wanted to offer the scholarship to a trustworthy, dedicated, dependable, respectable, responsible and disciplined individual; and they could not have found a better person to whom to offer the scholarship. This is shown by the way he responded to the award.
He enthusiastically responded to the Council’s generosity and responsibly applied himself to his studies so that he could deliver the goods for Asante and Ghana and thereby, justify the hope and trust reposed in him.
His rise from virtual obscurity to become Secretary of the Bank of Ghana, Chairman and Managing Director of the National Investment Bank, Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Minister of Agriculture, Assistant Secretary-General of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), and Director at the International Finance Corporation of the World Bank, is proof enough that those who chose him for the scholarship had chosen one who had the qualities of efficiency and hard work.
Albert was a good son of Asanteman and whatever he did, whether in Ghana or outside Ghana, rebounded on Asante.
He did not court publicity. Consequently, much of what he did for Asanteman was not known to people outside Manhyia Palace. On this occasion, Asanteman feels obliged, and takes pride, to recall some of them.
In a conversation I had with him, soon after his 85th Birthday, I asked him to slow down, now that old age had caught up with him.
He replied that although he realised that he was getting old, he believed that he still had the ability to do something noble and honourable for Asanteman before “the long day has waned.” He said it was his duty to encourage the people of his age to sail onward “beyond the sunset” until death finally laid its icy hands on them.
This reflection of Albert did not surprise me, because it has always been known to me that, as a person, Albert Adomakoh believed passionately in the traditional Asante philosophy that, except in sickness, an Asante should be at the beck and call of Otumfuo anytime he or she was summoned.
Albert lived under four kings of Asante: Otumfuo Agyeman Prempeh I, Otumfuo Sir Osei Agyeman Prempeh II, Otumfuo Opoku Ware II and myself. It was my brother and predecessor, Otumfuo Opoku Ware II, whom he served most intimately.
When Papa Albert retired and became a private development and finance consultant, he devoted a great deal of his time and resources to serve the Golden Stool and Asanteman. In 1985, he was one of the persons appointed by Otumfuo Opoku Ware II, Asantehene, to organise the ceremonies in connection with the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Restoration of the Asante Confederacy in 1935.
He was also a member of the committee that planned the celebrations when Otumfuo Opoku Ware II celebrated his 25th anniversary on the Golden Stool in 1995. Papa Albert worked mostly behind the scenes, but his input was always useful and deeply appreciated.
I was resident in England in 1983 when, in July of that year, Otumfuo Opoku Ware was hospitalised in London. His total medical bill was borne by “the three wise men”, i.e. Papa Albert, Dr Thomas Mensah and Dr Kwame Donkoh Fordwor.
When Otumfuo was discharged from hospital, Papa Albert hosted a lunch at his residence in Otumfuo’s honour. In consultation with Otumfuo, Papa Albert invited many people to the lunch to join him in expressing joy and happiness for his speedy recovery. Papa Albert did not stop there; he added his voice to those of the medical team who advised Otumfuo on how he should handle his health on his return to Ghana. His doctors and Papa Albert advised Otumfuo to institute short recesses during the meetings of his traditional councils. This was to enable Otumfuo and Nananom to relax and have some rest. Otumfuo agreed and I am sure that this advice helped to keep him healthy for a long time.
Brain behind many good deeds
Papa Albert assiduously assisted Otumfuo Opoku Ware II in the formation of Asanteman Associations in Europe and North America; he agreed to serve as the patron of these associations.
Thanks to these efforts, many Asantes and other Ghanaians now take pride in wearing their world-renowned kente and adinkra cloths, and in performing the graceful Adowa dance. The quiet brain behind all this was Albert Adomakoh.
Papa Albert was also behind the success of Otumfuo Opoku Ware II in bringing back to Ghana the “Obi Nkabi” stool and the “Yentwa Woti” hat previously kept at the British Museum. These are now stored in the newly established Museum at Manhyia Palace.
During my reign as Asantehene, I have enjoyed the persistent encouragement and support of Papa Albert. He always ensured that he called on me at Manhyia Palace whenever he visited Kumasi.
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I am particularly happy that I was able to visit him at his Cantonments residence in Accra when he was stricken with serious illness.
May his soul rest in perfect peace.