Introduction

IN the annals of Ghana’s history, there are individ­uals whose contributions shape the nation’s trajectory, often without seeking the limelight. Kenneth Yirenkyi Darko, affectionately known as Ojukwu, was one such unsung hero whose deep desire for a just and equitable democrat­ic society propelled him into heroic leadership, a journey that nearly cost him his life at the University of Ghana campus in early 1978. Born on September 24, 1950, to a renowned Educationist and au­thor, Mr Daniel Offei Darko and Madam Comfort Ama Adubea Akoto, a Baker, in Aye-Kokooso near Suhum, Kenneth became a leader in the University of Ghana’s student communi­ty and a prominent figure in Ghanaian student activism. He and his contemporaries played significant roles in shaping students’ governance and activism in Ghana in the mid 1970’s. Kenneth’s life was a testament to his unwavering commitment to justice, equali­ty, and education.

Secondary, Teacher

training education and

early career as a teacher

Kenneth’s academic journey began at Osino Pres­byterian Primary School in 1956, where his exceptional command of English, fostered by his father’s private tutor­ing, set him apart from his peers. He later attended the Presbyterian Training College Demonstration Primary school at Akropong-Akuapem and had his Middle school education at Awisa Presbyterian Middle Boys Boarding School, where he excelled academically and developed a passion for sports. His academic prowess earned him admission to the prestigious Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School (PRESEC) in Odumase-Krobo in 1963.

At PRESEC, Kenneth’s charisma and oratory skills began to shine. He was an in­dependent thinker, unafraid to challenge the status quo, and his exceptional performance during a school gathering, where he recited a poem enti­tled “Death, Thou Shall Die,” left a lasting impression on his schoolmates. He completed his ‘O’ Level in General Arts in 1968 with distinction. He was a proud member of Odadee 1968.

Following in his father’s footsteps, he trained as a teacher at the Presbyterian Training College at Akro­pong-Akuapem from 1968 to 1970. After graduating as a Certificate ‘A’ Post-Secondary teacher, he was posted to his alma mater, Awisa Presbyterian Middle Boys School in Septem­ber 1970.

He was assigned as the Mid­dle Form 4 Teacher. He worked very hard as a class teacher and his students passed the Form 4 final examinations with Distinction. In 1972, having heard of Kenneth’s teaching prowess, one of his mentors, the late revered Headmaster of Adonten Secondary School, Mr. Primrose Victor Akoto, requested Kwasi’s transfer to teach English, Twi, and Eco­nomics at Adonten Secondary school. During this period, he studied and passed his ‘A’ Level exams as a private candidate, gaining admission to the University of Ghana, Legon, to study English Lan­guage, Linguistics, and Kiswa­hili in 1973/74 academic year. From 1976/77 academic year to 1978/79 academic year, there were several students’ riots which led to the clo­sure of universities in Ghana. Whilst at home, he applied for a teaching position at the Presbyterian Training College, Akropong-Akuapem and was assigned to teach English lan­guage in June 1977.

Student activism

and leadership

Kenneth’s university days at the University of Ghana, Le­gon, marked the beginning of his journey as a student activ­ist and leader. He evolved into one of the most charismatic and revolutionary student leaders in Ghana’s history.

He became known for his fiery speeches, insightful anal­ysis, and galvanising presence. As a leader of the ‘Students Action Group’, he mobilised students to push back against government mismanagement and advocate for reforms.

Some of the notable stu­dents’ riots he and his team championed had positive outcomes such as the transi­tion from students’ allowance dubbed: ‘Millions’ to the Pay As You Eat’ (PAYE),’ which later evolved into the Students’ Loan scheme.

Some of his contemporaries were Kofi Totobi Quakyi, The Ahwoi brothers, D.K. Osei, Addo Kuffour, Akwasi Sarpong, Akrasi Sarpong, Akwasi Owusu Acheampong and others who played significant roles in shaping student governance and activism in Ghana.

Disaster strikes

Ojukwu at Legon

The students’ agitations on the various campuses of Ghana universities which started on May 13, 1977 and was dubbed: ‘ALUTA CONTINUA’ kept run­ning through to the greater part of 1978. On January 13, 1978, during a protest against the Supreme Military Council (SMC) regime, disaster struck as security forces stormed the campus.

Despite Ojukwu’s surren­der, waving a white cloth, he was brutally beaten, leaving his skull fractured. He was so much brutalised by the forces to the extent that they beat him and left on the floor when they thought he had died but the Mighty hand of God brought him back to life.

The serious brutalities he suffered and the accompanied trauma and challenges caused some irreparable damage to his being which sometimes im­pacted on his emotional well­being. However, in the subse­quent years, he made light and humor out of his situation and lived to a ripe age of 74 years, to the Glory of God. His blood-soaked jeans jacket, saved by his father, later became infested with maggots, a grim reminder of that violent day.

Aftermath of the

brutalities

Due to threats from Military Intelligence, he was treated discreetly by herbalists till he was able to walk properly and later sent to Togo for political asylum. He returned to Ghana after the removal of General Kutu Acheampong from the SMC through a Palace Coup. From June 4, 1979 and again December 31, 1981 when Flt. Lt. J.J. Rawlings came to power, sadly, his health had deteriorated, and whilst most of his contemporaries had opportunities to serve their country in various political po­sitions, his condition kept him on the margins. In the opinion of many, Kenneth Yirenkyi Darko (Ojukwu) was one of the unsung heroes of Ghana students’ governance and activism. He prematurely used his life for the good of Ghana while pursuing his mission for fairness, equality and justice. Despite personal struggles and battles with life, Ojukwu’s spirit remained unbroken. He thrived and found strength to teach and serve in the Ghana Education Service until his retirement in September 2010.

Legacy

After his retirement in September 2010, he lived at Akropong-Akuapem where he enjoyed farming at Bom and teaching the children and youth in his neighborhood for free. People engaged him in political discussions and would consult him on matters of politics. He loved to read and spent time proof-reading and editing scripts/manuscripts for people. His rediscovery of faith at the terminal end of his life brought him peace, and he remained a man of the peo­ple, humorous, kind-hearted, and deeply connected to the downtrodden.

Kenneth Yirenkyi Darko’s life was a testament to his dedication to fighting for what is right. His legacy as a cham­pion of the people’s cause has endured, and his impact on Ghana’s student governance and activism remains signifi­cant. As a teacher, he inspired countless students with his passion for education and his commitment to excellence. His love for the Queen’s language and his insistence on standard pronunciation earned him a reputation as a great phoneti­cian.

Tribute

Kenneth Yirenkyi Darko’s passing on February 20, 2025, marked the end of an era. His siblings, friends, former class­mates and graduates from the country’s universities in the 70’s remember him as a gentle force, a fearless revolutionary, and a committed advocate for justice and equality. His legacy continues to inspire future generations to stand tall, speak out, and fight for a fairer and a kinder world. As his friend and classmate at PRESEC, Dr Stephen Ampofo, a US based Pharmaceutical Scientist aptly put it, “Darko Yirenkyi lived and pursued fairness wherever he found himself. He dedicated his life to fighting the wrongs not only within the walls of his academ­ic institutions but throughout the country where the impact of his crusade was felt and reverberated.” Kenneth Yiren­kyi Darko’s life will forever be etched in the annals of Ghana’s history as a testament to the power of conviction, courage, and compassion.

Farewell to a stalwart

Kenneth Yirenkyi Darko, Ojukwu, Comrade. A gentle force. A fearless revolutionary. A committed Advocate and Activist. A Legendary Philos­opher. A humble intellectual whose brilliance lit the path for many. He had a dream for a dignified, a just and a fraternal world and worked for justice and harmony. He fought with every ounce of his being for a just egalitarian society. His life is a testament of great sac­rifice of not seeking personal comfort for himself but fair­ness for all. He bravely walked this earth, embracing everyone as a brother. To him, everyone was a Comrade. He lit up the lives of many with hope and towed a path of simplicity. Though he endured great pain, his legacy of courage, truth, and justice lives on. Indeed, we have lost a great kinsman and a rare gem.

He will forever be remem­bered, not only in our hearts, but through memory activism, in defense of the Constitution, in service to the nation and in the ongoing quest for sus­tainable positive change and resettling the agenda for our beloved country.

May his soul rest in perfect peace of the Lord.

By: Dr (Mrs) Mercy Oforiwa Darko-Ankrah

Email: ofoankrah@gmail.com