“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” The passage from 2 Timothy 4:7 captures the life of Oheneba Adjei Baffoe, a man who dedicated himself to service, excellence, and faith until his final days. He passed away after a lifetime marked by purpose, principle, and devotion to family, community, and country.
Born on October 19, 1954, in Nkoranza, he was the son of the late Nana Kwame Adjei Baffoe, former Mannene of the Nkoranza Traditional Area, and the late Grace Akosua Adubea. From his early years, he was known for his humility, disciplined approach to life, and sharp mind. These qualities shaped his character and guided his work across the many spheres in which he would later lead.
Oheneba began his education at the Anglican School in Nkoranza before moving to Dormaa Secondary School, where his academic ability and leadership potential became clear. He completed post-secondary studies at Wesley College in 1974 and went on to the University of Cape Coast, earning a Bachelor of Commerce degree and a Diploma in Education in 1982. His commitment to learning took him far beyond Ghana. He obtained a master’s degree in Banking and Finance from FINAFRICA in Milan, became an ACCA Associate in 1989 and Fellow in 1995, and later earned a Certificate in Financial Reporting. He also pursued professional development at Harvard University, Columbia University, Cranfield University, and the Irish Management Institute.
Over more than four decades, Oheneba built an accomplished career in public financial management, governance, and institutional reform. He was respected for his integrity, clarity of thought, and steady leadership. His career began at the University of Cape Coast as a Teaching Assistant before he moved to the United Kingdom to work with L.M. Lipowicz & Co. as an Audit Senior. Returning home, he joined Coopers & Lybrand (now PwC) and later IKAM Limited, rising to Executive Director.
In public service, he held several senior roles, including Deputy Controller and Accountant-General; Director of Budget at the Ministry of Finance; Public Financial Management Technical Advisor to the Ministry of Health; Chief Director of the Ministry of Health; and National PFM Coordinator at the Ministry of Finance. His work strengthened fiscal discipline, broadened accountability, and improved transparency across government systems. He also collaborated with the World Bank, DFID, UNICEF, CABRI, and other development partners, contributing to financial management reforms across Africa.
Oheneba was also a businessman whose spirit for enterprise took root in agriculture. He founded Kobiman Farms Limited, which grew into one of Ghana’s largest mango farms, exporting high-quality produce to Europe and the Middle East. Farming was his grounding force. It connected him to the land, reinforced his values, and allowed him to create opportunities for local farmers while promoting agricultural development in his community.
Faith was a constant in his life. A devoted member of the Anglican Church, he supported numerous church projects in Nkoranza and lived out the values he professed—service, compassion, and stewardship. By lineage, he held the title of Ankobeahene of the Nkoranza Traditional Area, a role he carried with dignity and respect for tradition, bridging the responsibilities of modern life and ancestral duty.
At the centre of his world was his family. He met his wife, Mrs. Louisa Adjei-Mensah, at the University of Cape Coast. Their union, later formalised in the United Kingdom, grew into a lifelong partnership grounded in shared principles and deep affection. They raised eleven children, all of whom benefited from his guidance, warmth, and insistence on character and discipline. He was a devoted husband, an attentive father, a considerate mentor, and a trusted friend.
Oheneba Adjei Baffoe lived a full and meaningful life. He strengthened financial governance in Ghana, built a thriving agricultural enterprise, honoured his faith and traditions, and nurtured a family defined by love and respect. He will be remembered as a scholar, public servant, entrepreneur, traditional leader, and man of faith. His influence, wisdom, and generosity will continue to live on in the many people and institutions he shaped.
May his soul rest in perfect peace.
