On December 16th, 2023, the world witnessed the departure of a remarkable soul, Robert Kojo Yankah, aged 46. Born in Cape Coast, Ghana on the 13th of June 1977 to Mr. Kweku Essuman and Maame Adjoa Duffie (both of blessed memory). He was the fifth of six children. Kojo’s life was a testament to academic excellence, unwavering commitment, and a profound dedication to service. A life which carved profound and wholesome relationships first to God, family then friends, colleagues, and political acquaintances.
Robert’s educational journey began in Cape Coast, where he attended University Primary School and Zion School before heading to Aggrey Memorial Secondary School for his GCE “O” and “A” Levels. His charms were evidently glaring at this early stage in his life as he managed to sweep a pretty, young, impressionable Miss Botchway, off her feet. The magic and connection between Kojo and Shemaat stood the tests of life and time until his departure to the heavens at the early hours of the 16th December 2023.
He later furthered his education with a Master’s degree in Policy and Administration from Queen Mary’s University and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) from Canterbury Christ Church University.
After graduating from the University of Ghana, he joined Shemaat in the UK. Soon after, they were blessed with their first child Darryl in May 2002 who was born in Edmonton, Middlesex Hospital. And a year later, on December 20th, 2003, they tied the knot at the Mountain Calvary Cross Ministry. Their union was further blessed with two other beautiful children: Chaela (born in September 2006) and Asher (April 2013). Who were both born in Chase Farm Hospital Enfield.
Renowned for his honesty, respectfulness, and wisdom, Robert’s strong Christian faith was evident in his devout relationship with Christ, using scripture both in every conversation and in how he dealt with all the people around him. His profound love and submission to God led him to the church without fail. He built strong connections throughout his life with churches such as, ICGC Dreamgate, UK, Action Chapel, UK and Ghana, Jubilee Church, UK and Empowerment Worship Centre, Ghana. Each church having a pivotal part to play in the different seasons God led him through, throughout his time on earth.
While in the UK Kojo worked with various organisations. First working as a Sales Executive at T-Mobile and Phones 4U. Then years after as a Warrant Officer for EDF and PowerGen in London. Furthermore, he lectured at both Enfield College and London Business School as well as working in Early Years foundation for children at Caterhatch Primary School. He was also a Policy Officer at Greater London Volunteering and Lecturer at City of London Business College. Further roles included working with Barrett Dry Cleaners in Wokingham and later Blanksons Limited with his friend/brother Jojo where Kojo became a Director and Partner.
In recent years, one of his pride and joys was farming, and as a partner at Gye Nyame Farmstead, he broadened his horizons engaging in pineapple and cassava farming in Central and Eastern Regions of Ghana. But perhaps the crown jewel in his endeavors is his significant role in setting up and aiding in steering the affairs of the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC). As Head of the CEO’s office and Director of Communications Kojo flew from the UK to Ghana to build the very foundations of this enterprise. He studied everything there is to know about the whole value chain from mining bauxite, refinery, and smelting of aluminum. He could talk to anyone on any aspect of this great pacesetting way of handling the natural resources of Ghana. He was convinced this would become the blueprint for handling Africa’s natural resources and, as usual, Kojo pursued this wholeheartedly. The successes currently unfolding will make him very proud, and indeed, the entire family is proud of him and this legacy.
Regarding interests, Kojo loved crime and investigative documentaries. His curiosity of human behaviour never ceased. He would often spend evenings watching these documentaries. He was also an avid listener of LBC radio and international news channels, even whilst in Ghana. Politics was his passion but more importantly he took pride in the everyday gaining of knowledge. He was also a fanatic about health and fitness and was in the gym most mornings. Like most he began for aesthetic purposes but continued due to the mental and spiritual benefits it provided. Kojo often listened to sermons, books spiritual teachings every single time he went to the gym. He often spent time in prayer and even time with himself. For him it was less about ‘lifting metals’ as he used to say but reflection and learning. Regarding interests he enjoyed tennis and football, an Arsenal fan at that. He took pleasure listening to jazz, some classical music, some Ghana high life classics. He loved hanging out with close friends but in his latter years found fulfilment in hanging out with himself. He saw importance of loving thyself as a man in order to love others effectively which was evident in his uprbringing of his children.
Active in politics, Robert was a staunch member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), in particular NPP UK, contributing to various wings such as the Youth Wing and Young Executive Forum (YEF). He MC-ed most of their programs across the UK. Shemaat and Kojo opened their home to the NPP UK regularly for meetings, get-togethers, strategy sessions and in fact, the modern NPP UK Youth Wing started in his house. He co-authored the insightful book, “No Prizes for Runners-Up,” with his friend/brother Dodzie, adding his voice to critical discussions and strategies for electioneering.
Kojo’s influential support and mentorship extended beyond his own political endeavors, as he tirelessly assisted numerous individuals in achieving their political ambitions in both Ghana and the UK. Through guidance and or practical assistance, Kojo played an instrumental role in nurturing the aspirations of aspiring politicians, empowering them to make meaningful contributions to their communities.
His impactful support have borne fruit in the form of numerous individuals ascending to significant political positions. Among those he guided and assisted, several who have risen to become ministers of state, Members of Parliament (MPs), party executives, and even legal counsel to the president. His commitment to nurturing political talent and providing unwavering support has not only shaped the trajectories of individual careers but has also contributed to the strength and diversity of political leadership in both Ghana and the UK.
But for those who truly knew him, his impact in this life went deeper beyond the surface.
The little things he did that embodied the love of Christ he believed in:
Kojo was the type of uncle to be the first one to take you on the motorway for the first time if you were learning to drive.
Kojo was the type of friend that would invest prayer, wisdom and effort into your pursuit of a job. He pursued it like it was his own endeavour.
Kojo was the type of brother that would pay the school fees of his niece, whilst still looking after 3 children.
Kojo was the type to put a smile on your face when you lost hope of any joy that particular day.
Kojo was the type of man to sit a young couple down and guide them through their marriage step by step with advice the Lord blessed him with via his own experiences.
Kojo was the type of father to work tirelessly two jobs just so his child can have the opportunity to attend extra classes or play an instrument like the other kids did, or attend trips so their child would not feel left out.
Kojo was the type of husband to abstain from food for spiritual purposes every Wednesday without fail in regards to the pregnancy of wife.
He was ruthless with his selflessness and always believed and said
‘‘Everywhere I go, I will leave my behind there.’’
Beyond his professional endeavours, Robert’s greatest joy was his family. He leaves behind a devoted wife and three children, whose lives were enriched by his boundless love and guidance. His upmost impact is one that is known by many but appreciated more now more than ever. And that was his outlook on life.
Kojo described himself as not a christian, but a follower of Christ. And believed that every action performed, should glorify our Lord and exhibit the fruit of the spirit.
This seed of understanding birthed quotes and gems of wisdom he used to leave in different areas of life. And one of those areas was his family group chat where he would post several devotionals to guide the paths of his wife and children for many many years.
The last one he ever posted was on the 7th of December 2023. It goes as follows:
Robert Kojo Yankah’s legacy is one of academic excellence, unwavering commitment to service, and deep love for his family and most importantly, submission to the Lord. Though he may no longer walk among us, his spirit dwells with us, he will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him. He lived a short but a full and meaningful life and completed the task that he was assigned by the Lord.
For those who knew him, when you greeted Kojo with a hello and a how are you?
His reply was often a calm and faith filled : ‘‘Mercy is Keeping us, Elohim is our helper’’
During this time Mercy shall keep us indeed. Elohim will help us all…
Long may your impact continue with all of us. Goodbye for now and rest well in eternal peace; you have surely done your bit Kojo.