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Farewell to a stalwart: The life story of a great student leader and activist Kenneth Yirenkyi Darko (Ojukwu)
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
Today, I focus on the Global Methodist Church in Finland, as I continue with my description of institutions and personalities and their accomplishments as members of the Ghanaian Diaspora in Finland. I give special attention to the Ghanaian Methodist Fellowship, which is under the Global Methodist Church in Finland.
The Global Methodist Church in Finland is quite new, having split from the United Methodist Church Finland.
The Church in Finland has seen significant strides and accomplishments within the short time that it has been established in Finland, which must be highlighted.
Some history
The Methodist Church in Finland has existed for over 100 years since 1800s. It was conducted mainly in the Finnish language, according to Pastor Freeman Awuah. In 2012, a Finnish member of the Helsinki church and the then Mr Freeman Awuah, a Ghanaian immigrant who had joined the church, started bible studies which was turned into the English version of the church.
Many Ghanaians joined and they formed the Ghana Fellowship church within the Finnish Methodist church with services conducted in Twi.
In 2025, the Ghana Methodist Fellowship joined the Global Methodist Church and became quite well grounded. The Methodist Church generally does not have much influence in Finland as compared to the Lutheran and Orthodox churches. Even so, the Global Methodist Church currently has two branches, in Espoo and Lahti.
The Church has three ordained pastors, with the Finnish pastor as the leader of the church, assisted by Pastor Freeman Awuah (who was ordained a pastor a few years ago) and another Ghanaian pastor (Pastor Paul Brewu, who was recently ordained).
Activities and achievements of the Church
The Global Methodist Church in Finland conducts church service on Sundays. The service starts at 11 in the morning and closes by 1 p.m. When the service is done in Finnish there is English translation, and there is the service by the Ghana Methodist Fellowship, which meets once a month.
There are other meetings on other days when the church has what is termed Community Fellowship (Bible Studies) on Tuesdays in English, Thursdays in Finnish and Fridays in Twi at 6 pm.
The Global Methodist Church in Finland continues to shepherd people in their religious lives for God’s glory. The church opens its doors to people of every nationality, including Finns, other Europeans, and other African migrants, aside those of Ghanaian origins.
“We are a family church because we are a family to other migrants and we care for the needs of each other or others in all situations that we can be of help.
For example, in the women’s group, we have an organisation in Finland which works to fight against human trafficking. The women’s group has also adopted an orphanage in Ghana where we help the less privileged ones”, Pastor Awuah revealed.
But there are also challenges, according to Pastor Freeman, as with any new group or institution that faces initial obstacles. Also, the COVID-19 situation brought a huge challenge such as physical resources and logistics. The lockdowns resulted in church services not conducted regularly, and done online. People are still interested in online worships than physical meetings, he said, adding: “We are trusting God to help”.
Impact of the Ghanaian migrant community
The Global Methodist Church in Finland plays a prominent role as a religious group that serves Ghanaian migrants and others in the Finnish society.
The Ghanaian community has great impact since majority of the church membership are of Ghanaian origin (about 60 per cent). There are other nationalities and it is thus a very multicultural body.
Integration
By its activities, the Global Methodist Church is thus helping to ensure integration of its members well into the Finish society.
This is important since social interaction and citizens’ well-being are an important part of the integration process in Finland.
As I mentioned some time ago, the role of migrant associations and groups such as the Global Methodist Church acting as bridge-builders for the integration and inclusion of migrants through participation in the decision making process and by acting as a representative voice is highly appreciated in Finland. Thank you!
GHANA MATTERS column appears fortnightly. Written in simple, layman’s terms, it concentrates on matters about Ghana and beyond. It focuses on everyday life issues relating to the social, cultural, economic, religious, political, health, sports, youth, gender, etc. It strives to remind us all that Ghana comes first. The column also takes a candid look at the meanings and repercussions of our actions, especially those things we take for granted or even ignore. There are key Ghanaian values we should uphold rather than disregard with impunity. We should not overlook the obvious. We need to search for the hidden or deeply embedded values and try to project them.
With Dr Perpetual Crentsil
Email: perpetual.crentsil@yahoo.com
I picked Kwakyewa up, and we drove to the site on the Aburi road. We drove for some five minutes, and a security man opened the gate, and we entered the 40 acre plot secured with a fence wall.
‘Here we are. I have just started buying materials. I am planning on building one hundred apartments, and fifty top class houses’. ‘
David, are you telling me that this is all yours?’
‘Yes. All mine. I carefully engaged with the chief of the town, and his elders. I paid him all the arranged monies, in the presence of his people. And I have started work on a school building for the town, and I’m renovating his palace. When the block of houses is sold, I will invest the bulk of the funds here.
I will start with twenty houses, without taking any loan. When I sell them, then I will build many more’.
We went round the site, and spoke with the workers who were clearing the land. After an hour we went back in the car and drove off. ‘You are not saying anything, Kwakyewaa’. ‘
What can I say? It’s just incredible. I will stay for as long as you need me’.
Many thanks, Kwakyewaa.
I will count on your support. I will continue working with the EU for another couple of years, so I will be up north a lot of the time. So you will be in charge’. After spending another couple of hours at the city centre site, we decided on lunch’.
We got down at Sankofa, and I took her hand as we walked to take our seats. After taking a sip of my drink I looked across the big room and saw Abena staring at us, a look of utter shock on her face. She continued to stare as Kwakyewaa spoke about the changes she had to make due to her extended stay in Ghana. After a while I ignored her and focused on the discussion.
‘Now listen, Kwakyewaa, this is a most important part of what we have started to do, as a couple, and as business partners.
For starters, I would like you to prepare a budget of the expenses you need to make as a result of postponing your return and staying here for three months, and I will pay you the money.
In the coming days we will decide on how much money you need to be comfortable. Then, later on, we will take the bigger decisions resulting from continuing with the relationship.
Suddenly she got off from her seat, sat on my lap and hugged me, as the other guests watched in appreciation. Unfortunately I could not look in Abena’s direction.
We parted at the office at the close of day. Kwakyewa joined Eva and Robert for the drive home, as I drove home. Although I was playing my favourite jazz tunes, my head was spinning with thoughts of Kwakyewaa. Abena was beautiful, but Kwakyewaa was in a completely different league altogether.
And she combined queenly beauty with incredible sharpness of mind. She calculated business issues with ease, and she planned and recorded everything. And to top it all, it was obvious from the first day that she cared about me.
This time, business was going well, but the relationship side was also cool. This time, I could forget about Abena and her big ego and sharp tongue.
I sat to watch TV, but started feeling sleepy, so I rose to go and lie down when my phone rang. It was Kwakyewaa. ‘Bernard, Abena just came in. She’s furious. She’s throwing verbal bombs at Esaaba, saying things like “if you think you will insult me by fixing David Kwakyewaa, you are joking.
If I wanted Bernard I wouldn’t have thrown him out. David is junk. She can have him. I’ve gotten someone far better than him. You are all stupid”. ‘
And what did Esaaba say?’ asked.
‘We didn’t say anything. Which made her angrier, so she rained insults for quite some time, and went to her room’.
‘Nice one. It’s good you ignored her. Hey look! She has just sent me a message. Let me check and get back to you’.
I opened the message and read. ‘Bernard, so you are now Kwakyewaa’s boyfriend. Congrats. I thought you would spend sometime to improve yourself before trying to get a girlfriend, but obviously you think otherwise. Pray that she also doesn’t throw you out soon’. I sent her a reply.
‘Madam, I’m tired of your insults and lies. I will come and show this to Mom first thing tomorrow, and tell her about the things you have been saying about me. I may also do you a favour by telling her about a certain transaction by which Jennifer sold an arrogant girl for peanuts.
Goodnight’. She called me numerous times, but I did not pick her call. At six following morning, my doorbell rang, and I went to find Abena and Esaaba, and let them in. ‘David’, Esaaba said after I had offered them seats, I hear you have threatened to come and see Mom this morning to tell her about the message Abena sent to you. Well, we have come to apologize to you, not only for the message but also for anything she has said about you.
She says it will not happen again, so please forgive her, and cancel your plan of coming to see Mom’.
‘Yes, David’, Abena said. ‘I am very sorry. I promise it will never happen again’.
‘Okay. I accept your apology, even though the things you’ve been saying were not true, and they really hurt me, because I did not get the chance to defend myself to the people who heard it’.
‘And David’, Abena said, please do me a favour. ‘You said Jennifer sold me for peanuts. Is it true, or you were just rebutting what I said’.
‘Let’s do it this way’, I said. ‘Call Jennifer, and ask her if it is true that she was paid by your boyfriend for fixing you with him. I’ve heard he has not given her the full amount, so she has been calling him to demand the balance’. ‘I don’t believe it, but let me call her and see’.
She called Jennifer. After a few moments she started shedding tears. ‘Esaaba let’s go’, she said quietly. I walked them to the roadside and hired a taxi to take them home.
At the office a couple of hours later, Kwakyewaa came to sit by my desk and looked straight at my face.
‘So what happens now? Esaaba told me what transpired at your house. ‘What she does is none of my business. Maybe she will go and sort things out with her rich boyfriend’.
‘I was afraid she would decide to fight to have you back. I have been really worried’.
‘Are you joking? We have already agreed on what Esaaba calls a smooth transfer. We have a relationship, and I’m very pleased with it. Let’s make plans for the future as we agreed’.
‘Okay. I have already started implementing my plan. I have told my parents about you, and my plan. They have accepted it. From this evening, I will spend a lot of time with you, at your house. Now, let’s talk about activities for today’.
By Ekow de Heer
