Roots Formation Love ING Quayson 1st Decade (1940-1950) 2nd Decade (1951-1960) 3rd Decade (1961-1970) 4th Decade (1971-1980) 1
Alec Jojo Agyare, Grandson (representing young Abeku) Andrews Quayson, Nephew (representing young adult Andrew) Generations of Abeku and counting 4 Psalm 116:12-13 How can I repay the LORD for all His goodness to me? I will lift the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD. 2
Kingsford Arthur, Godson (representing middle aged Quayson) Andrew Evans Abeku Quayson, The Star (representing Himself) 3
16 3rd Decade (1961-1970) Love 06 First Decade Roots - The Royal Family 21 4th Decade (1971-1980) Profession 13 2nd Decade (1951-1960) Formation 24 5th Decade Blessings 31 6th Decade (1991-2000) Impact 35 7th Decade (2001-2010) Spirituality 40 8th Decade - (2011-2020) Double Blessings C O N T E N T 4
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1st Decade (1940-1950) Roots - The Royal Family By Odikro 6
‘Young The story is told in the Akona Royal Stool Home of the day Andrew Abeku Evans Quayson Jnr. was born. That 18th day of September in the 1940th year of our Lord, when the seed sown by Andrew Evans Quayson Snr. and nurtured by Lady Sarah Letitia Efua Egyima Quayson (nee Hagan) saw the light of day in Cape Coast. They say a gentle wind blew through playgrounds and along the beaches, from the North to the South, connecting the East to the West of Cape Coast, as though whispering the birth of Andrew Abeku Evans Quayson Jnr; a great son of the land. Fortelling of great things. Abeku’ ‘Jojo as the Young Abeku’ 7
The lineage of the child Andrew Abeku Evans Quayson Jnr. was pure royalty. His father Andrew Evans Quayson Snr. (Old Man Quayson) was from the Akona Royal Stool Family of Takoradi and his paternal grandmother Mena Ekua Bram was the queen mother of Takoradiman. Old Man Quayson was a real City Gentleman with his tailcoats, top hats and Apaapa walkings. He was a real fun man and a great dancer! Abeku’s mother was Sarah Letitia Efua Egyima Hagan, daughter of Joseph Alfonso Hagan (the last of the Hagan “ Old Man Quayson was a real City Gentleman with his tailcoats, top hats and Apaapa walkings. ‘Old Man Quayson’ (Father of the Original Abeku) 8
brothers of Ntotoo, Cape Coast) and Emma Thompson Hagan of the Ekua Brew Family of Anomabo. Abeku was destined to be loved by many, such that when his mother Efua Egyima died when he was only 2 years, his mother’s younger sister Susan, cared for him like her own son in the home of his grandfather Egya Joseph Alfonso Hagan. He was such a loving boy and everyone who met him took away a pleasant memory of the encounter. Abeku’s two mothers – ‘Hagan Sisters’ (Efua Egyima and Ewurakua Nyaniba) 9
‘Mena Ekua Bram’ Queen mother of Takoradiman (Grandmother of the Original Abeku) 10
Akona Royal Stool Family of Takoradi 11
Andrew with the College’s Victor Ludorum Shield (2019) 12
2nd Decade (1951-1960) Formation Andrew In 1950, I married a second Letitia; Miss Letitia Mercer and Abeku relocated from Cape Coast to live with us on Hansen Road Palladium, Accra. I knew it was not easy for my boy Abeku (the second born of my nine children) as he tried to adjust and fit into life in Accra. As a Cape Coast youngster, he didn’t understand Ga and didn’t quite fit in at the Korle Gonno Roman Catholic School in Accra. But he was det rmined to overcome these challenges as he picked up the Ga language and started acting like a real Ganyobi. As was expected of a bright boy lad like him, he sat for the common entrance and passed with flying colours. Andrew with brothers Philip and David (1955) Recounted by Old Man Quayson (Father of the Original Abeku) 13
Achimota School was his first choice of school and he was so so eager to sing “From Gambaga to Accra…” He confidently attended the entrance interview and we were all shocked when the list came out and he hadn’t made the list. How? Andrew was crushed and inconsolable. At that time, I was preparing to go to London for a course and decided to take Abeku along with me for the summer holidays. Andrew was excited to sail away to London. While in London, I made the decision to enroll young Andrew at St. Joseph’s College, Beulah Hill London, the first secondary school to be founded in the United Kingdom (U.K) by De La Salle brothers from France. Although he was the first and only black student amongst a student population of 500, my son excelled in the La Salle Community. The Community challenged students to fulfill their potential in every aspect of their lives; academic, sporting, artistic, social and spiritual. Abeku made me proud when he was made the Captain of the only Boarding House. He passed his ‘0’ and ‘A’ levels and left the school with an outstanding sporting record. Andrew won the College’s Victor Ludorum Prize for the best graduating student in studies and sports in 1959. Andrew continued to make me proud as he entered the University College London (UCL), London in 1959 to read Chemical Engineering. Although he was amongst the first Ghanaians to study the subject this did not prevent him from excelling at it. UCL was a vibrant intellectual place and was regarded as one of the most prestigious universities in the world. Abeku graduated in 1963 from UCL with a BSc in Chemical Engineering. The one thing that made Andrew stand out in all he did was the fact that he ensured he enjoyed every single aspect of his life. At UCL he participated fully in social and sporting activities. He was the first Black Captain of the UCL Football Club, a club that fielded seven teams each week. His most memorable experience at UCL as a 21 year old black student was successfully leading the College’s 1st Team Football, made up of white students on a tour of Germany to play Mainz, Marburg and Manheim Universities. When I returned to Ghana, Andrew lived with the Jones, a family of Mr. Robert Jones, a colleague of mine in the then Gold Coast. Mr. David Jones and Mrs. Elma, both of blessed memory were his guardians and he easily adapted to being the older brother of David and Philip, their sons. He remained close to his Jones brothers through the years. Living with this family in Higher Bebington, Cheshire completed Abeku metamorphosis as an English Man! The influence of Mr. David Jones, a Chief Building Inspector with Liverpool City Council and Mrs. Elma Jones a manager at the Unilever establishment at Port Sunlight, was very instrumental in shaping his professional direction. Andrew and Mum Elma (1985) Andrew with brothers Philip and David (1974) David and Anna Jones, Tracy and Andrew 14
UK -2019, Andrew with David and Philip, his brothers of 67 years and counting… 15
Love 3rd Decade (1961-1970) Recounted by Monica Lomnavah (Spouse of the Original Abeku) I enjoyed working at the Ministry of Education after my O’ levels that summer of 1961. I was young and free, I got to meet a lot of people, escape from Ma Glover’s all-seeing eyes and practice my communications skills. There was a buzz among the young ladies that one Andrew Evans Quayson from London was working in the Information Section but I did not even act interested when he He was well spoken and a true gentleman but his Fante was terrible! “ 16
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Abeku & Lomnavah Abeku & Lomnavah Abeku & Lomnavah 18
approached me the first time. Will you believe that the Ghanaian economy was so good at that time that people came from abroad to do vacation jobs in Ghana? He was well spoken and a true gentleman but his Fante was terrible! Under the guise of teaching him Fante we became close and were inseparable. It was Anyako Fante versus British Fante! Truthfully, when Abeku returned to Ghana that summer of 1961, he soon realized that he had strayed far from his roots. He could not communicate in Fante, his mother tongue and Ga his second local language. He had become a pure British Fante. He really was serious about getting involved and integrating into the Ghanaian society and that is why he had taken the vacation job at the Information Section of the Ministry of Education. So all the time he was welcoming the very first batch of American Peace Corps volunteers in Ghana in August 1961, Abeku was “learning Fante” under my tutelage. And it did not hurt that he loved to dance like me, so we always found fun things to do. I missed my dear friend Abeku when he returned to the UK in September 1961, although we made sure that we kept in touch through long letters. I guess you can say that is how I started writing convincing briefs as a lawyer; I was determined to keep him as a dear friend. And of course to make sure he came back to Ghana in 1963 after graduation to resume our relationship. When Andrew proposed to me in 1968, I did not dither and we immediately got married in June 1969 at a society wedding that made the front page of the Sunday Mirror. I knew I had snagged a gem; my own British Fante, Abee! 19
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4th Decade (1971-1980) Profession As a young man who matured in the heady times of post-independence Ghana, I followed my passion to return home from the UK in the early years after Independence to assist in the development of our mother Ghana. I will admit that patriotism was not the only thing that made me hurry home to Ghana as Monica’s letters had painted Ing Quayson By Ing Andrew Evans Quayson Abeku with nephew Andrews Quayson 21
exciting images in my mind about life in Ghana. I joined Lever Brothers Ghana Limited as a Development Manager three months after graduating and was immediately identified as a high flyer. Despite my numerous social engagements, I made rapid progression in Lever Brothers becoming the first Ghanaian Production Manager and Technical Director at the young age of 28 and 36 respectively. My professional development was of high priority to myself and the company and I ensured I maximized all opportunities to learn and improve myself. In 1972, I was seconded to the Unilever Head Office in London for 2 two years as a Special Assistant to 2 Unilever Technical Directors with responsibility for technical matters in countries outside Europe and the USA. This was a great learning for me as I had the opportunity to observe the main Board of Unilever Directors at work at the Head Office. This trip I made with Monica and our first blessing Susan Mena Ekua. My life in Unilever greatly enriched my career. As Technical Director, I was given the responsibility to rehabilitate and modernize the Soap, Foods and Personal Products factories which had run down badly during the difficult economic period from 1977 to 1983. Next time you see the brands Key Soap, Lux, Omo or Pepsodent, remember it was under my directorship that they came to be. When Lever Brothers in the mid 1980’s was recognized as one of the most energy cost-efficient factories in Ghana due to a comprehensive energy efficiency programme my team initiated, it was certainly one of the highlights of my professional life. In addition to being a Fellow of the Ghana Institution of Engineers, I was honored to be the first Ghanaian to become a Fellow of the Institution of Chemical Engineers (UK) in 1993. Let’s not forget that I am also the first Chemical Engineer to be elected as President of the Ghana Institution of Engineers. Of course my life was not all work and no play! I am the son of an Original City Gentleman from Takoradi after all! I actively built a vibrant social circle to complement my work and home life. Abeku My professional development was of high priority to myself and the company and I ensured I maximized all opportunities to learn and improve myself. “ 22
In 1977, I joined the Accra Rotary Club, the first Rotary Club in English speaking West Africa and remained a Rotarian for 25 years. Rotary has been a second family to me; a strong network of friends and colleagues. I took up the mantel of the club in 1987 and undertook the first-ever exchange programme between Ghana and Nigeria with the Rotary Club of Gbadaga, Lagos. During my Presidency, the club sponsored Accra North Rotary Club, implemented the annual programme of Polio Plus, Blood Donation and Road Safety Campaigns and supported a $200,000 Rotary Agricultural Training Project at Yahoman, Greater Accra. I also did not forget my youthful nimble feet and quick reflexes as a sportsman and continued my participation in sports and played squash and golf. I was an active member of the Armed Forces Squash Club and the Tema Golf Club. Andrews Quayson Ing Ben Aniagyei and Ing Quayson 23
5th Decade (1981-1990) Bless 24
sings My Children are my greatest Blessings 25
The First Blessing (Susan Letitia) Mena Ekua Bram Queen. Brave. Assertive Apple of Daddy’s eye 26
The Second Blessing (Tracy Theresa) Nana Efua Duku Generous, Loyal, Magnanimous Daddy’s Sweetheart 27
The Third Blessing (Mansa Patricia) Adwoa Egyima Powerful. Positive. Creative Daddy’s Photocopy 28
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6th Decade (1991-2000) Impact I honestly must admit that I am very proud of the contribution I have made to the fast moving consumer goods and the textile industries in Ghana. In 1991, I had the privilege of working as the Corporate Development Director of UAC Ghana and as the Chairman of the Committee which was responsible for the successful merger of Lever Brothers Ghana Limited and UAC of Ghana into Unilever Ghana Ltd in 1992. As the Managing Director of Ghana Textile Printing Company Ltd (GTP) in 1994 and Juapong Textiles (JTL) in a similar position in 1996, I put the two companies in a position to regain leadership in the African Textiles market in Ghana. Unilever during that period had resumed management control of those two companies which had been taken over by workers in 1982. To date, my daughters love to consistently wear GTP and when I see Ghanaians and visitors wearing GTP products, I puff out my chest in pride. I have had a distinguished career in both the private and public sectors over the past 40 years in key leadership positions. After 34 years of service, I retired from Unilever Ghana Ltd in 1997 when Unilever sold out its shares in GTP and JTL to the renowned textiles manufacturing group Vlisco PLC of the Netherlands. Vlisco Ghana appointed me as Special Adviser in 1998 until I took up the position of Executive Director of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI). As the Chief Executive of an enlarged AGI Secretariat, I effectively championed the cause of industry to decision makers and opinion leaders. I look back and remember the young ambitious man of postindependence Ghana and I am proud of the hard work and all he has accomplished over the last 40 years. He has walked in big steps, learnt from his mentors and has tried his best to leave a lasting legacy in his field of endeavour. I am confident that I have made valuable contributions to the public boards I have been appointed to. I fondly remember my tenure as the Chairman of the New Times Corporation, membership of the Board of Directors of the Ghana Standards Board, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Ghana Shippers Council, Tema Oil Refinery, Ghana Cotton Company, National Energy Board and Social Security Bank and as a Commissioner of Public Utilities Regulatory Commission. I am grateful for all the times during my retirement when I have been called upon so others could tap into my vast experience of industry. In 2002, I accepted a 3 year Build Operate and Transfer (BOT) contract as the Managing Director of Ayensu Starch Company, the first Presidential Special Initiative on cassava starch manufacturing and export. Knowledge is best used to benefit others, and retirement can be productive when knowledge is applied and shared for the greater good. To this end, I currently chair the Governing Council of the Unilever Ghana Foundation and the Energy Foundation. I am proud of the impact I have made in the fields I have worked in. I have left meaningful footprints for the next generation to walk in. MD By Andrew 31
FUN FACTS ABOUT ABEKU 1. DANCER is Abeku’s middle name. Abeku loves to be the life of the party and enthralling the audience with his dance moves. 2. Daddy is the last to leave the party and helps the bandsmen pack their instruments. 3. Daddy has watched every season of Dancing with the Stars to pick up new moves. 4. Abeku listens to music 4 hours each day, every genre of music. 5. Abeku LOVES groundnuts, he drinks a bottle of beer EVERY evening with groundnuts. 6. He is addicted to game shows and watches all the game shows that ever was created. 7. Andrew knows a little something about everything in the world. 8. Don’t dare change the TV channel, some cricket players are playing cricket somewhere in the world. 9. Daddy is genius in maths, with his supervision our homework was always 100% in maths. 10. Squash time is over, time for my children to remove my trainers and socks! 32
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7th Decade (2001-2010) Spirituality By Kingsford Arthur 35
As Uncle Abeku’s “son” I can confidently say I have walked in the footsteps of a Giant! His exemplary life is a template that I aspire to replicate in my life. Sir Knight has been a member of Christ the King Catholic Church in Accra since 1974. If you know the man, you know he is not one to sit on the sidelines without getting involved and supporting to the best of his ability. Uncle was a member of the Parish Pastoral Council and served as Chairman of the Social Committee, a member of the Harvest Committee and Finance Committee and an auctioneer at harvests for more than a decade. His meritorious services to the Parish did not go unnoticed and he was duly awarded the Apostolic Blessings on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of Christ the King Church in 2001. Uncle Abeku’s journey as a Marshallan has recorded various milestones. Sir Kt. Andrew Quayson joined Council 10 of the Noble Order of the Knights of Marshall on 25th November 1975 with 30 other initiates including Sir Kt. A. K. Deku, Sir Kt. Stephen Adubofour and Sir Kt. Gilbert Ayittey. As was his nature, Sir Kt. Andrew Quayson took active part in activities of the Noble Order and held several administrative positions for Council 10, including Chairman of the Social Committee and the Coordinating Chairman of all the Marshallan Associations in Accra. He definitely kept us on our toes with his limitless ideas. The experience he gained as President of the Christ the King Marshallan Association from 1981 to 1983 helped Sir Kt. to effectively lead Council 10 as the 30th Grand Knight in the 1989/90 Council Year. He produced the first directory and introduced name tags to achieve greater fraternity amongst the brothers. Every idea he suggested and implemented enriched our association and our personal interactions. In order to improve the administration of the Council, he set up an Executive Committee made up of key office holders which met one week before the monthly Advisory Board Meeting. He was able to successfully go through the ambitious programme for the year to enable Council 10 win the Supreme Director’s Best Council Trophy for the first time. Sir Kt. Andrew Quayson was elevated to the Supreme Tyler in 1993 and was later appointed Supreme Master of Ceremonies in 1996. He was the leader of the 27 brothers elevated to the positions of Honorary Past Supreme Knights in 2000. Uncle Abeku, you are the true manifestation of a leader. One who effortlessly wins allegiances because of your actions, counsel and exemplary life. I am proud to call you father, mentor, counselor, friend. Sir Kn 36
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Andy Babies What started as a simple get together in 1997 at Nyaniba Estates, has become a family affectionately called Andy Babies. This is a group of Marshallans who admire Sir Kt. Andy Quayson and believe in his principles and way of life. These principles include, the pursuit of excellence and high professional standards, scholarship, sportsmanship, discipline and above all fun. These ideals and principles, he teaches not only by words but also by deeds. His whole life and the way he lives is a teaching experience for us the Andy Babies. Our lives have been majorly impacted by Uncle Andy as we have individually experienced successes and recognitions in our careers! 38
Uncle Abeku, today, Andy Babies, yes your babies salute you. You are a colossus and an epitome of hard work, discipline and excellence. We pray for many more years of good health and fun loving moments. 39
8th Decade (2011-2020) Double B 40
Blessings Our Blessings brought in more blessings of sons Maurice Adu-Amankwah and Nana Yaw Owusu Agyare. 41
Patrick Andrew Tino Abena Adoma Nana Yaw Jojo 42
Triple Blessings, My Grandchildren 43
With the joyful adoptions of my godchildren the Asampongs and the Arthurs, my nuclear and extended families continue to grow in love. The Arthurs The Asampongs 44
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9th Decade (2021-2030) Legacy The 5th Generation of Blessings By Godchildren, Family and Friends 46
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