“Let no one weep for me, or celebrate my funeral with mourning; for I still live, as I pass to and fro through the mouth of men” - Quintus Ennius

The late Kofi Aidoo Andah, also known as Papa Aidoo and popularly referred to as ‘Mackstone’ was born in Accra on the 9th of December 1966 to Peter Okai Andah and Grace Andah. He was the youngest of their children.

He started his education at Radiant Way Preparatory School and later in 1978 he transferred to Bethel Academy Preparatory School where he sat and passed the Common Entrance examination. He gained admission into Presbyterian Boy’s Secondary School (PRESEC) where he completed his Ordinary Level (O level) in 1984.

He then undertook his Advanced level (A level) examination at Apam Secondary School. After his “A” levels he worked with his father at P.O. Andah Associates, (the pioneer tax consulting practice) and whilst there he simultaneously undertook ICT training at HiTech Business Services.

Kofi left Ghana for the UK in 1997 for a year and obtained an Advanced Certificate in Marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing UK in 1998. He returned to the UK in 2000 to the Institute of Commercial Management and was awarded a Diploma in Management Studies. He then proceeded to gain a Master’s degree in Marketing from the University of Leicester in 2001.

After his Master’s degree he worked with B&Q PLC, UK as a Customer Care Advisor and later as an Advertising Application and Client Manager. On his return to Ghana, Kofi worked with Feligames Ghana Limited as a Sales Manager and later with Ghana Tote Limited as a Marketing Manager from 2004 to 2007. He was a member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing Ghana (CIMG).

In 2008, he joined SIC Insurance Company Limited as an Assistant Manager and was posted to the Sales & Marketing Department. In the year 2010, he was promoted to Manager and transferred to the Corporate and Special Risk Department.

In 2012 he was appointed Acting Head, Retail Relations Department. From 2014 to 2018 he worked in the Sales and Marketing Department and was later transferred to head the Marketing Unit of the Tema Area Office.

In 2020, Kofi was elected the vice President of the SIC Managers’ Association. Until his demise, he was a Manager at the Sales & Marketing Department of the Ring Road West Office.

Kofi naturally took full responsibility for the planning and organizing of the yearly nuclear and extended Andah family New Year lunch parties. He ensured that the date, venue and time for events were carefully chosen and promptly communicated to all family members. He was the Andah family archivist and had an encyclopedic mind, he could regurgitate the birthdays of each family member with ease.

Kofi was a larger than life character both literally (he was physically imposing and the strongest just by inspection) and metaphorically he was the glue that bound the Andah family. He was the de facto Secretary-General of the wider Andah family. He would often sign off his notices to the family with– From the Office of the Secretary-General- and without fail was quick to correct any family member who addressed him as General Secretary insisting there was a vast difference in prestige and would readily refer you to the late Kofi Annan’s position when he was head of the UN. He was the go to guy because he was very helpful and accommodating.

Kofi kept a close bond with his maternal family, the Aidoos’. He made every effort to stay in touch with his cousins most of whom were female and he always benefited from their excellent culinary skills when he visited them.Each member of the nuclear and extended family had a special relationship with him, be they Uncles, Aunties, cousins, nephews, nieces and brothers/sisters-in-law.

Kofi was a keen sports enthusiast. He did track and field as well as playing hockey and soccer for Riis House (5) at Presec-Legon. In soccer his favorite position was defence. In secondary school and after, Kofi would organize neighbourhood football matches and commute from Ridge, Teshie-Nungua, Dome, North Kaneshie and East Legon to play and watch football with friends.

He was a good organizer and as player, captain cum coach all rolled into one, team members all looked up to him at team selection. His love for soccer led him to organize friends to undertake trips to Kumasi on several occasions to watch soccer matches between his favourite club, Asante Kotoko and Accra Hearts of Oak and spend quality time with family and friends at KNUST. He was a regular at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Before or after every match, Kofi would organize a food feast, which was the fun part of going to the stadium. In every neighbourhood he lived in, Kofi had a nickname some were “Wasto”, “Stoner”, “Wastoniama”, and “Stone”. He was also an avid Manchester United fan and was emotionally invested in every match they played. When Man U lost a match, he lost his appetite. He was convinced that anytime Man U was losing a match and stopped watching, they ended up winning, so he stuck to this format even though it did not always work. Kotoko and Man U have lost a loyal fan.

He had an uncanny ability to connect with his peers, seniors and people from all walks of life. This gift of his was simply phenomenal. In his interactions, he often left a good and lasting impression. He was a good listener, peacemaker and would provide solid advice whenever the need arose.

Kofi met his wife Sheila Opong – Sampong in 1990 and in 2000 he formalized their relationship in the traditional marriage ceremony. Their union was solemnized in 2004 and they were blessed with three children; Araba Kweiba, Kweku Issiw and Kobena Aidoo.

Kofi was a problem solver, peace maker, a gentle giant with a big heart. Simply put he was a man of many parts. We will all miss him.

Kofi became ill and was admitted to Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, but unfortunately he passed away on the 25th of May at dawn.

Kofi, Papa Aidoo, Osofo Aidoo (after his maternal grandfather, the late Rev. Dr Aidoo of the Methodist Church) Mackstone, Stone, Pizzaaro, Pizza, Wasto, Cisco, Adjei, Adjeious, Afro Gbede, Secretary General, Rest in Perfect Peace.